A disposable barbecue caused a fire around the size of “two rugby pitches” in the Trossachs at the weekend, killing nesting birds and other wildlife. The blaze covered two hectares in the Glen Finglas region of the national park on Saturday. The disposable grill was found with a charred burger still on top after the blaze took place. This week, the frustrated trust asked visitors to “use their noggin!” when out and about in the area, particularly given the high risk of wild fires recently. Glen Finglas is the biggest Woodland Trust site in the UK. It lies at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and is part of the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve. Earlier this week, the Woodland Trust posted: “There is currently an extreme risk of wildfire in place across the whole of Scotland, and we are set to have another week of dry, warm weather. “So, while you are out enjoying it, take a look around and use your noggin: don’t light barbecues, don’t chuck cigarette ends into dry vegetation, or do anything else involving a naked flame. Pretty simple eh?”. A spokesperson for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority described the Glen Finglas incident as “very sad”, adding: “The recent fire at Glen Finglas, caused by a carelessly discarded disposable barbecue, is a stark reminder of the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our precious natural landscapes. “The destruction of precious native woodland the size of two rugby pitches is not only an environmental tragedy, but a major setback to decades of conservation work in The Great Trossachs Forest. We stand firmly with The Woodland Trust Scotland in condemning this behaviour.” They also asked people out and about in the park to remain vigilant. “We work closely with partners including Woodland Trust Scotland and the emergency services to protect this extraordinary landscape and those who live, work and visit here. “But with more than 720 square miles to care for, we cannot be everywhere. “That’s is why we strongly urge the public to act responsibly and play their part and help us protect it.” George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: “An area roughly the size of two rugby pitches has been devastated, and at this time of year that means hundreds of nesting birds have been killed, along with lizards, slow worms, voles and other wildlife. “If someone had taken a picnic instead of lighting a barbecue this could all have been avoided.” The blaze happened while a very high to extreme risk of wildfire warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was in place across north-east, central and southern Scotland. Last week, the SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum urged the public to avoid lighting fires outdoors during the warning period. Earlier this month, a wildfire on Arran burned for five days and devastated part of Glen Rosa while elsewhere campers were rescued by helicopter from a blaze in Galloway Forest Park. The Trust said that wildfires put people, wildlife and natural habitats at risk and urged visitors to woods, parks and green spaces to stay fire-free. Mr Anderson said: “Barbecues and campfires can spark disaster, and if you are a smoker it is good to have a tin to bring your extinguished cigarettes home, too. “You might think you have stubbed them out, but it is surprising how they can smoulder on. “A massive 2018 fire at our English colleagues’ site at Smithills weighs heavy on the minds of all our site staff. “With another huge fire on Dartmoor, and now this incident at Glen Finglas over the weekend, we beg the public to take care.” He added: “With climate change the conditions where fires can become uncontrollable will likely become more frequent, so as a society we absolutely must get on top of this issue. “Even a single ember can ignite wildfires that rage out of control. This poses serious threats to people, communities, homes and properties. “There are grave concerns if you live on the edge of towns. The threat is not restricted to wildlife and green spaces. “Saturday’s Glen Finglas fire was bad but it could have been much worse. Thanks to an alert member of the public the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were out fast and had it under control in a couple of hours. “Our staff and volunteers turned out too. Many thanks to them and to the person who raised the alert.”