ONE of Scotland's top fire fighters has urged the publicly to "act responsibly" amid the ongoing threat of wildfires. 

A 'very high' fire weather warning - the second most severe - remains in place in parts of the country's east coast, with foresters and visitors alike told to take care until the end of Thursday. A similar caution is in place across England. 

Forestry officials have urged anyone visiting any of the nation's woodlands to be on high alert for wildfires, telling them to call 999 if one breaks out. 

READ MORE: Severe wildfire warning issued across the UK

And Scottish Fire and Rescue's Lynne Gow has reiterated the need for people to be on high alert in the coming days. 

The SFRS Group Commander said: "We're asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and think twice before using a naked flame."

Issued by Firebreak Services, the Scottish warning is in place until the end of Thursday. 

Forestry Journal: A map of the wildfire warning in Scotland. Brown means very high A map of the wildfire warning in Scotland. Brown means very high

With the climate continuing to change, wildfires are likely to become more of a regular occurrence. Just this week, firefighters spent more than a day tackling a blaze in a Norfolk forest. 

At this year's Institute of Chartered Foresters’ flagship national conference, Chris Stark, chief executive of the UK Climate Change Committee, warned foresters to prepare for the worst.