The efforts of firefighters in Moray and all the emergency services were highlighted in the House of Commons today during Prime Minister’s Questions. Moray MP Douglas Ross praised the fire service and all those fighting the wildfire which has spread 20-miles across gorse near Knockando since it started on Monday afternoon, as they battle to bring it under control. With the Prime Minister in Northern Ireland to attend the funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, her deputy, David Lidington responded.
Commenting Douglas said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work local firefighters and those from further afield have been doing keeping this fire at bay and ensuring the public remain safe.
“This fire took hold in tinder-box like conditions and up to 50 fire-fighters have been working flat out for the past 48 hours and are now taking it in turn to do six hour shifts as they attempt to extinguish this blaze. It is only due to the skill and dedication of our fire crews and the other emergency services that the situation is under control.
“Following briefings I’ve had from the police and the fire service over the last couple of days I wanted to reiterate their message to deter people from going to the area to have a look for themselves. Given the roads in this part of Moray, an influx of people looking at the fires can hamper the efforts of the emergency crews getting the job done.
“There have also been residents evacuated from their homes and naturally there is concern for livestock in the area but I know people are following the advice of the experts. Hopefully a change in weather later this week will see nature assist the emergency services in extinguishing the blaze.
“Once again we owe all the emergency services a debt of gratitude for the work they have done and I’m sure people in Moray will join me in commending them for their efforts. In Forres one of the supermarkets has donated free refreshments and drinks for the firefighters. This spirit of community is what makes Moray so special.”