Halloween weekend blazes: scrapyard inferno, two homes on fire and a forest alight

Firefighters have tackled a string of large fires across Scotland over the Halloween weekend, with residents in several areas told to keep windows and doors closed.

No one has been reported injured in any of the incidents.

Scrapyard blaze in East Ayrshire

Three fire engines were sent to a scrapyard on Kilmaurs Road in Knockentiber, East Ayrshire, at about 4.53pm on Saturday. Drone footage shared with STV News showed the fire raging through vehicles and debris as crews used jets to bring it under control.

Firefighters left the scene after midnight. Because of the amount of smoke, people living in Knockentiber and nearby Kilmaurs were advised to keep their windows and doors shut as a precaution.

Two homes hit in Maybole

Later on Halloween night, at about 10.44pm, the fire service was called to Whitefaulds Avenue in Maybole, South Ayrshire, where a fire was affecting two houses.

Four fire engines and an aerial appliance were sent, and crews were still at the scene in the early hours of Sunday. Footage showed large plumes of smoke over the street. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

Forest fire in West Lothian

At about 6.58am on Sunday, crews were called to a fire in Northfield Forest near Longridge in West Lothian. Four fire engines and specialist resources were sent to the scene.

The fire service urged people living nearby to keep windows and doors shut, and said anyone further away who could smell smoke should do the same. Members of the public were asked to avoid the area.

Busy week ahead

The fires come at the start of one of the busiest weeks of the year for Scotland's firefighters, with Bonfire Night on Thursday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urges people to attend organised displays rather than set off fireworks at home, and offers free home fire safety visits.