Firefighters are spending a third day tackling a major wildfire in the Cairngorms that has led to evacuations and forced the closure of campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area. The blaze started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and by Thursday afternoon had spread to cover an area of approximately six kilometres.
Evacuations and Closures
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that six fire engines and specialist resources remained at the scene on Friday morning. No casualties have been reported.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters worked through the night on Thursday to contain the flames. SFRS area commander Lynne Gow stated, “I would agree that we have adequate resources. We’re absolutely certain of our practical plan here.” Scotland’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who holds resilience responsibilities, said on Thursday that the fire has been contained, adding, “Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure.”
Environmental Impact
The RSPB reported that around 300 hectares of land have been burnt so far. The charity deployed 27 staff and volunteers earlier in the week, using all-terrain vehicles with water bowsers, backpack hoses, and shovels to assist firefighting operations.
Ongoing Restrictions
A strict cordon remains in place, and people are warned not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, or surrounding areas while firefighting operations continue. Fire service deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said, “This remains a protracted incident… The safety of our communities remains our priority, and we will continue to assess the need for any further evacuations alongside multi-agency partners.”
Wildfire Risk Across Scotland
The blaze comes as parts of Scotland face a very high risk of wildfire over the next few days. The SFRS, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, has issued warnings for the central Highlands, southern, and eastern Scotland, effective from Wednesday until Monday. The heightened risk follows several days of hot and dry weather.
Separately, firefighters are tackling a wildfire at Fauldhouse Moor in West Lothian, with two fire engines remaining at the scene on Friday morning. No casualties have been reported there either.
