A large fire is still raging, more than five hours after breaking out along the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire.
The blaze took hold on land between Errol and Longforgan from late Monday morning, with large clouds of smoke visible across the Carse of Gowrie.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said that nine appliances had been sent to the site.
By 4.30pm, with smoke still visible for miles, a helicopter was deployed to dump water to tame the flames.
River Tay Reeds on fire. home to the largest reed beds in Britain and incredible wildlife #fire #rivertay #reedbeds #tayside #lindoresstayview pic.twitter.com/Y0q9SSTZ8P
— Lindores (@LindoresStay) April 27, 2020
The fire, in close proximity to Errol Airfield, has been caused by reed beds catching alight.
What’s with the massive fires on the north side of the Tay this morning. Huge plumes of black smoke drifting towards Fife. Anyone know? @C_MAlexander ? pic.twitter.com/zDY7GvzhgL
— Graham (@hazeltongraham) April 27, 2020
Witnesses have said the plumes of smoke can be seen from Newburgh and Dundee.
Reed bed fire on the Tay – unbelievable how quickly this spread #errol
— craig godfrey (@Craig_Godfrey) April 27, 2020
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to the scene near the “back of Errol Airfield” at around 11.46am and initially sent four appliances.
More to follow.
