Firefighters are battling the Cairngorms wildfire for a fourth day as the blaze continues to spread, prompting a weekend health risk warning. The fire, which started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy near Nethy Bridge on Wednesday morning, has grown to cover approximately six kilometres by Thursday afternoon.
Evacuations and Closures
A number of homes, businesses, campsites, and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area have been evacuated as a precaution. The C7 road, known locally as Ski Road, remains closed at Coylumbridge. Police Scotland has advised motorists and travellers to check their journeys before travelling and asked residents to keep windows shut.
Local Criticism of Official Statements
Sandy McCook, chairman of Nethy Bridge community council, criticised Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who said on Thursday that the fire was "currently contained." Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, McCook said: "For Neil Gray to say the fire is contained is rubbish. They will not listen to local experts, gamekeepers, ghillies, farmers. People think contained means it is virtually out. It is still spreading, it is still burning hard, there are people's lives and homes at great risk. Wildlife and landscape is being destroyed."
Response and Conditions
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth described the situation as a "very distressing, concerning and challenging time." Two helicopters, nine appliances, and specialist equipment are on site. Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at Cairngorms National Park, said the operation is "extremely tough work in incredibly tough conditions." A helicopter continues water-bombing operations. No injuries have been reported.
Weekend Risk Warning
Miles warned that a strong northerly wind has blown smoke south over the Central Cairngorm Mountains, creating a thick layer of smoke that could thicken over the weekend. He urged people to avoid accessing the Central Cairngorm Mountains due to health and safety risks and to keep emergency services free. The fire service has issued wildfire warnings for the central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland, with a very high risk alert in place until Monday following hot, dry weather.
Damage Assessment
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the extent of damage is still being assessed. An estimated four square kilometres (1.5 square miles) of ground have been burnt. Aviemore is no longer in the immediately affected area, but thick smoke poses a risk to public health over the weekend.
