Looking back: Kinghorn fire 2009

The blaze was started by youngsters on the beach but quickly grew out of control, as dry grass on the 40 foot brae above the dunes was set alight, fanned by strong winds.

Locals rushed out of their homes to tackle the fire which had grown to ten feet in height using “whatever they could lay their hands on”: garden hoses, spades, plastic basins full of water, all were used.

Resident Carol Harrison said it was “very frightening” and said it was amazing that no-one was hurt.

The plucky group kept trying to douse the flames until the fire brigade arrived and eventually put the fire out.