A FOREST machine was lost in a "devastating" fire amid a series of blazes in recent months. 

The forwarder had been parked next to a stack of timber when the incident occurred overnight. The logs were also lost during the fire, the exact cause of which is yet to be determined. 

It was one of three instances during May and June in which vehicles were damaged on forestry sites when they caught fire. Officials say the outcomes have ranged from the "total loss of a machine" to relatively minor damage. Investigations remain ongoing into each blaze. 

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No further details on any of the incidents have been released, but forestry chiefs believe the blazes are likely to have been caused by: 

A. Electrical fires.
B. Oil leaks on hot exhausts.
Or C. Forest debris build up on hot engines or exhausts.

Operators are being urged to take extreme care and to carry out regular inspections on their machines. 

A Tilhill safety bulletin read: "Whatever the ignition source, a build up of forest debris further fuels the fire. What we learn from these events is that inspection, maintenance and cleaning are all highly important factors.

"An operator may not be able to physically see damage or deterioration on oil feed pipes or electrical wiring but they should be able to see and recognise a build up of debris in engine bays, belly pans etc and clear them out. 

"Regular maintenance and servicing should be looking for deteriorating oil feed and electrical systems and taking action. 

"The ability to respond to a fire, should one take hold, has been demonstrated with these events. Make sure your on-board extinguisher system is charged and maintained, and portable fire extinguishers are available and to hand.

"No-one should put themselves at risk to fight a fire, only use the extinguishers if trained and safe to do so."