THE risk of wildfires is 'extreme' in the majority of East Lothian, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned today.

The warning is place until Saturday but could be extended further as the warm, dry weather continues.

Residents are being encouraged not to light disposable barbecues or campfires in areas where there is vegetation.

Much of the county falls into the 'extreme' category for wildfire risk but some coastal areas are in the lower 'very high' risk category.

SFRS warns that many rural and remote communities, including East Lothian, are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.

Niall MacLennan, SFRS group commander, 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, 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."