Firefighters are working "relentlessly" to place out a wildfire that has been raging now for a 3rd day in West Lothian, with flames "frighteningly" close to some properties.
Sixty firefighters are on the scene the place a fireplace is affecting a big space of moorland and woodland in Excessive Camilty, overlaying one mile by 1.5 miles, close to West Calder and which runs adjoining to the A70.
Helicopters may also be seen dosing burning fields with water collected from Harperrig reservoir.
Locals say the fireplace has not been maliciously began however wildlife has been killed and the setting ruined, which may additionally have an effect on residents livelihoods.
Scottish Hearth and Rescue Service had been alerted to the inferno shortly earlier than 1pm yesterday and are nonetheless battling to place out the flames.
Native Rizia Robertson, who appeared in a channel 5 documentary on Tuesday night time, stated: "We've a critical wildfire right here in West Lothian. It has been occurring for two complete days and spreading.
"We're protected however our neighbours are a lot nearer and it's totally worrying.
"Firefighters have labored relentlessly and helicopters at the moment are in use.
"Wildlife is killed and displaced, the setting is ruined and folks's lives and livelihoods are put at risk.
"That is heart-breaking and really scary."
Twelve home equipment are in attendance and a helicopter can be a part of the firefighting effort. Images taken on the website, which had been shared on social media, present plumes of gray, thick smoke billowing from the forest.
SFRS is urging close by residents to maintain their home windows closed because the smoke plume strikes in an easterly course in direction of Edinburgh.
Liam Bullerwell, who captured the scene unfold on his drone from round two miles away final night time, stated: "The wind was blowing the smoke over in direction of Currie/ Edinburgh.
"The images had been taken from a couple of km away so ought to give an concept of the size of it. As I used to be leaving there have been 4 engines with lights on heading in direction of it to assist the 4 that had been already there.
"I set the drone up near Crossword Reservoir which is on the B7008 junction on the A70. I left at 6.45pm which is when the entire fireplace engines had been heading in direction of it from the east."
Many have been shocked on the images shared from the scene. Vivienne Moir commented: "Completely horrific. Seems like Australia not Scotland."
A SFRS spokesperson stated: "We had been alerted at 1.23pm on Wednesday, 10 August to reviews of a hearth within the open at Excessive Camilty, West Calder.
"Operations Management has now mobilised twelve home equipment to the scene, the place crews stay in attendance as they work to make the world protected."
Do not miss the most recent information from round Scotland and past - Signal as much as our each day e-newsletter right here.