A FOURTH wildfire warning has been issued in three weeks with people warned over barbecues, campfires and cigarettes discarded carelessly.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has put in place another warning across Scotland, cautioning members of the public that even the smallest fire can spread with great speed and intensity in the current warm spell.

North west Highland has been given a “very high” warning, whilst all other areas of Scotland face an “extreme” rating.

The warning is in place from Thursday, June 15, until Saturday, June 17, and may be extended further if the warm weather continues.

SFRS Group Commander Niall MacLennan said: “We are urging the public not to light disposable barbecues or campfires in areas where there is vegetation, much of which is tinder dry or to discard cigarettes carelessly.

"As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire.

“The recent wildfire incidents at Cannich and Daviot, near Inverness and Campsie Fells, just north of Glasgow show just how large these fires can become.

“It would only take a small ignition on dry vegetation to cause a wildfire at this time of year.

“Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code if you're heading into the countryside this weekend as the wildfire warning continues."