Huge wildfire seen in Scots woodland as emergency services rush to tackle blaze

A Scots bridge has been shut down due to a huge wildfire.

Connel Bridge has closed to commuters after after a blaze broke out near to the town of Connel, Argyll and Bute.

Emergency crews raced to the scene at 1.28pm with firefighters still battling the flames. There have been no reported casualties.

Pictures have shown a plume of smoke taking hold, with Scottish Fire and Rescue confirming that a large section of grass and gorse is alight.

Police confirmed earlier that the A85 at Connel Bridge was closed, as they asked drivers to avoid the area and use an alternative route.

The bridge and A85 has since reopened but police have warned that A828 near Connel has now closed.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 1.28pm on Thursday, 2 May to reports of a large fire in the open near the town of Connel, Argyll and Bute.

"Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances to the scene, near the A828, where firefighters remain working to extinguish the fire which has taken hold of a large section of grass and gorse.

"There are no reported casualties."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The A85 is closed at Connel Bridge due to a wildfire.

"Emergency services are in attendance.

"Please avoid the area. Drivers are urged to use an alternative route."

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