Firefighters tackling the massive wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park will remain at the scene into next week as emergency services warned the public to stay away from the danger zone.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said "significant progress" has been made in bringing the blaze under control, but substantial hotspots remain across a vast area of remote terrain. Helicopters will continue water-bombing affected areas while crews on the ground work to extinguish lingering fires and prevent the blaze from reigniting.
Public urged to stay away
Emergency services have urged walkers and visitors not to ignore road closures, police cordons and warning signs after receiving reports of people attempting to enter restricted areas. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said: "Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past week in challenging conditions, and we continue to make good progress."
"While the overall situation is improving, there are still substantial hotspots burning across a large and complex landscape. These hotspots continue to require intensive firefighting efforts, both on the ground and from the air, and crews will remain on scene into next week. We are asking members of the public to continue staying away from the affected areas while these operations remain ongoing."
Ongoing firefighting operation
The wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, July 15, and has prompted one of Scotland's biggest firefighting operations in recent years. More than 100 firefighters have been deployed alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles and helicopters as crews battle the blaze in the Glenmore area of the national park.
Officials warned tonight that changing weather conditions and strong winds could still cause flare-ups and spread the fire into previously unaffected areas. It comes after locals reported seeing smoke billowing from the hillside in Abernethy late on Thursday afternoon after a flare-up when the wind changed direction.
Community council leader Sandy McCook told STV News: “The fire is blowing into Strathnethy, covering ground and also endangering areas that haven’t been burnt. It was considered to be well out in Abernethy this morning, but we’ve had a wind change in direction this afternoon. The wind has turned much further round to the west.”
Restrictions remain in place
Restrictions remain in place around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish, as well as the Old Logging Way and routes leading to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A' Bhuachaille, Lochan Uaine, Strath Nethy and Bynack More. Paths through Abernethy Forest towards Ryvoan Bothy also remain shut.
Police Scotland said public safety remains the priority. Inspector Craig Johnstone said: "Throughout the coming weekend, emergency services and other key partners will be continuing in their efforts to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
The Cairngorms National Park Authority acknowledged the impact on local businesses but stressed nearby destinations, including Aviemore, remain open to visitors. Colin Simpson, Head of Visitor Services and Active Travel at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: "It's been really difficult for all of us who love Glenmore to see the events of the past week unfold, and this has also caused significant disruption for local businesses and livelihoods."
"We're working closely with partners including Cairngorms Business Partnership, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Business Gateway to ensure that businesses get the support they need through this challenging period and are helped on the path to recovery. As the weekend approaches, I'd encourage everyone to respect the access restrictions to give all those involved in the firefighting efforts the space they need to continue their work."
