A large fire has broken out near a caravan park in the seaside village of Hopeman in Elgin, prompting an emergency response and causing power cuts in the area.
The alarm was raised at around 4.30pm on Tuesday, August 25, when crews were alerted to grass and hedges alight. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews raced to West Beach Caravan Park on West Beach, with six fire appliances, a wildfire unit and specialist resources deployed to the scene.
Blaze spreads across 250 metres by 100 metres
The fire is approximately 250 metres by 100 metres. People are being urged to avoid the area as firefighters work to bring the flames under control. Due to a large amount of smoke, nearby residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed. There have been no reports of any injuries so far.
Dramatic footage shared with the Record shows thick black smoke rising from grass next to the site on the Moray Coast, with orange flames consuming the greenery. Onlookers could be seen walking near the blaze, and a marked police car was stationed at the spot. Several campervans, motorhomes and caravans were parked on the site.
Local shop forced to close due to power cut
Power cuts have been reported at nearby businesses, including the local Key Store, which was forced to shut. A staff member wrote on Facebook: "Due to the power cut caused by the fire, we have made the decision to temporarily close the shop early. This is to ensure our fridges and freezers remain closed and temperatures are maintained while the power is off, and also in the interest of safety without lights! We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Stay safe everyone."
Just ten days earlier, West Beach Caravan Park had shared a "gutting" post on Facebook saying they had found evidence that someone had been trying to start a fire by the gorse. Site workers warned that a "small fire could become a serious wildfire within seconds" due to the dry ground, and begged visitors not to light fires, have bonfires or use charcoal BBQs.
Fire service urges public to avoid area
The post read: "Please help us prevent a wildfire. We are absolutely gutted to have found evidence that someone has actually been trying to start a fire by the gorse. The ground is incredibly dry just now, and the gorse and grass around the beach and surrounding area are tinder dry. A fire could spread unbelievably quickly - what might start as a small fire could become a serious wildfire within seconds. We are urging everyone visiting the caravan park and the beach to please NOT light fires, have bonfires or use charcoal BBQs. Please tell the youngsters among us too - help us protect our beautiful coastline, wildlife, homes and businesses. One spark is all it could take. We love sharing this beautiful place with everyone, but please help us keep it safe. No fires, please."
West Beach Caravan Park is a privately owned, family run, beach front grass park providing holiday vans as well as pitches for motorhomes, touring caravans and tents.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open in Hopeman, Elgin. We were alerted at 4.33pm this afternoon and Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances, a wildfire unit and specialist resources to the scene of the fire, which is approximately 250 metres x 100 metres. People are asked to avoid the area as crews work to extinguish the fire. Due to a large amount of smoke in the area, nearby residents should keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Crews remain at the scene."
