Police have warned the response to the massive Cairngorms wildfire is set to continue for days as exclusion zones remain in place around Glenmore and Loch Morlich. Despite what authorities describe as 'encouraging signs' in the battle against the blaze, emergency crews caution that the incident remains an active emergency.
Evacuations and Exclusion Zones
Residents have been evacuated from their homes, and the area around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Abernethy remains closed to visitors, including walkers. Police Scotland is coordinating the multi-agency response alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Highland Council, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, the RSPB and Forestry and Land Scotland.
Chief Inspector Scott Robertson of Police Scotland's Highland and Islands Division said: 'While we are pleased to hear there has been encouraging signs across the affected area, this remains an ongoing emergency response and is likely to continue over the coming days. The area around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Abernethy remains closed to visitors, including walkers, and as public safety is a priority we urge people to stay away from these areas.'
Firefighting Operations
Firefighters and partner agencies remain on the ground carrying out further firefighting operations to tackle the wildfire, which has already scorched thousands of acres of land and forced the evacuation of homes, businesses and campsites. Over 100 firefighters have been involved in the operation over four days.
The C7 Ski Road remains closed at Coylumbridge, along with access to Loch Morlich, to keep routes clear for emergency responders. Police also confirmed officers and partner agencies have been helping people displaced by the wildfire return to collect belongings from their homes and campsites. Anyone who has not yet registered for access has been asked to call Police Scotland on 01349 886691 so arrangements can be made.
Progress and Ongoing Risks
The latest update comes after emergency services said on Sunday the wildfire had been largely surrounded following days of intensive firefighting. The blaze, which broke out in heathland near Ryvoan Bothy on Wednesday, July 15, rapidly spread through Glenmore Forest Park, burning across around four square kilometres of land and prompting a major emergency response involving fire crews, specialist wildfire units, estate workers and helicopter water-bombing operations.
Authorities have cautioned that although conditions have improved, significant resources remain at the scene to extinguish hotspots and prevent the fire from flaring up again. The public is being urged to continue avoiding the area until emergency services declare it safe to reopen.
