Balintore Fire Station

Station paged yesterday as part of the response to a large fire in the open near Melvich. Great work from initial crews, RSPB staff and estate workers. Good decision to mobilise the ATV package from Invergordon and wildfire support pump from Balintore early 👍🏻 #wearesfrs

2/2 We Travelled 800 miles to and from incidents. Welcome a new recruit. Gained another blue light driver. Have 2 more recruits in the process. We can only do what we do with the support of family and employers A safe, happy and prosperous New Year to all. #wearesfrs

1/2 What a year 2025 was. We: Celebrated the stations 50th anniversary. Bid farewell to Ff William Paterson, retiring after 50 years, 4 months and 18 days. Trained on specialist wildfire equipment. Attended the largest ever wildfire - putting in the longest shift of any crew.

Catch up pump drill session for a couple of crew this morning. Flexibility around training is key to maintaining our skills. Weekly equipment checks and routine inspections also completed, all part of what it takes to maintain the availability of a professional fire station 🚒

A tribute to William Paterson QFSM, who retired last week after serving over 50 years at Balintore Community Fire Station (play with sound on) #localhero #wearesfrs

We said goodbye to a legend tonight, as William Paterson retired after 50 years, 4 months and 18 days service. A founding member of the station, William has embodied the very best of what it is to be a community firefighter. Thank you for being our colleague and friend.

Station paged at 05:15 to 1 of the wildfires outside Carrbridge. Incredibly challenging incident, but officers, crews, & an army of land and estate workers put in an amazing shift. Partnership working at its finest. Thanks to those who went above & beyond to keep everyone fed 👍🏻

Congratulations to our CC Rod MacKenzie, who passed his ERD course today. Rod thoroughly enjoyed the course and was full of praise for the way in which the driving instructor delivered the content. 🚒............. #wearesfrs

Station paged at 15:30 to a report of a fire in woods. A quick turnout and decisive action plan prevented this from escalating into a serious incident. Even though we've had rain, a fire can take hold and spread quickly. The land owner was 100% right to call it in. #wearesfrs

Station paged at 06:32 to the wildfire a Culbin Forest. Working alongside ATVs making good progress, assisted by helicopter water bombing. Great example of good Incident Command, alighned with effective fire fighting, delivering a positive outcome.

Station paged at 17:03 to a wildfire at Doll, Sutherland. With colleagues from Dornoch and Tain, the fire was prevented from spreading into open moorland. LPP and hosereel were exactly what was required. Perfect example of putting training into practice 👌 #wearesfrs

Last night was pump training with our Light Portable Pump (LPP). We had our Training Support Officer with us and his expert input and guidance was well received, refreshing and enhancing everyone's skills. Training breeds confidence 💪🚒 #wearesfrs

A short video showing just one of the 5 fire fronts that confronted the responding crews today. Very grateful for the new Wildfre PPE, which continues to offer outstanding protection while being comfortable and light to wear.

Crew paged at 15:17 to a large wildfire between Bonar Bridge and Invershin. Challenging terrain and topography made for a very difficult incident. Great teamwork from all crews reduced fire spread and prevented it from entering a mature plantation. #wearesfrs

A plan of the 4km walk in for the crew today at Stac Pollaidh. It doesn't show is the 280m climb. Not unusual at this incident with other crews, estate workers and volunteers doing similar. Some of the crew were very grateful for a lift back in the Summer Isles Hagglund! 😃

A short video clip of one of the fire fronts at the Stac Pollaidh wildfire today. With the weather predicted to be warm and dry for the rest of the week, please enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly. #leavenothingbutfootprints

Station paged at 07:09 to a large wildfire at Stac Polliadh. Along with other crews, estate workers and volunteers from the Summer Isles, crew walked in over 4km to begin firefighting. Great effort from involved, incident still ongoing. #wildfirewarnings

First wildfire shout of 2025 for us today. 10 acres burnt, but quick initial action from Lairg and Dornoch crews prevented the fire from spreading into an SSSI which would have had devastating consequences. #wearesfrs

⚠️A very high wildfire warning is in place across central and south-west Scotland. Moving to low-lying areas on Thursday and Central Highlands on Friday. An EXTREME wildfire warning will cover all low-lying areas in Scotland on Friday.⚠️ Read more: bit.ly/4kvU4wb