Helicopter tackles forest blaze
Helicopter tackles forest blaze
31 May 2006
published by news.bbc.co.uk
Scotland, UK — A helicopter has been brought in to help tackle a large fire at Tentsmuir Forest in Fife.
The aircraft, which can scoop up and dump about 850 litres of water a trip, is being used to help 50 firefighters working on the ground.
The area, south of the Firth of Tay near Tayport, is popular with walkers, off-road cyclists and horse riders.
The fire started at 1221 BST on Wednesday but officials do not think anyone istrapped.
A Fife Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said firefighting was being made more difficult by very dry vegetation and a strong onshore wind.
She said: “This is a huge fire which is still spreading. We would warn people not to go into the forest area.
“We have also arranged to bring a big water tanker and a helicopter is water bombing the area.”
The fire is reported to have started in an area of grass and heather but is spreading into young trees.
By 1530 BST the fire was covering 600sq metres and producing thick smoke.
Tayside Fire and Rescue Service have been brought in to help tackle the blaze.
