A helicopter has been deployed to support firefighting efforts as crews spend a third day battling a major wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park that has led to evacuations and forced closures of campsites and ski resorts.
Fire Origins and Spread
The fire ignited in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and expanded to cover an area of approximately six kilometres by Thursday afternoon. The RSPB reported that around 300 hectares of land have been burnt so far.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution. Firefighters worked through the night on Thursday, with six fire engines and specialist resources remaining at the scene on Friday morning. There have been no reports of any casualties.
Helicopter Deployment and Response
Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “Emergency services are on the scene and they’re working tirelessly with colleagues from NGOs, local estates and other gamekeepers to put the fire out. There’s also a helicopter now on the scene dropping water on the fire, which is going to help. The most important thing we can do is let the people on the ground do their job.”
The helicopter is being used to drop water on the flames, aiding ground crews who have described the incident as “protracted.” Fire officials insist they have “adequate resources” to manage the situation.
Government and Official Statements
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth stated on Friday that the situation has been “very distressing and challenging” in the Cairngorms. She noted: “As I understand it, the fire is currently contained. SFRS are keeping that matter under control at the current time. Ministers are receiving regular updates. The Justice Secretary is leading on that matter. I’ve been receiving updates as well, it’s a very concerning time. The authorities, as I understand it at the current time, have the fire relatively controlled. They’re monitoring it at all times, and ministers are receiving regular and routine updates in relation to the fire at the front.”
Justice Secretary Neil Gray, responsible for resilience, said on Thursday: “Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure. I want to thank the firefighters, police, land managers, volunteers and all partners who are doing an outstanding job keeping people, property and the natural environment as safe as possible. The Scottish Government continues to monitor the situation closely and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed they have adequate resources committed to this incident.”
Fire Service and Partner Agency Efforts
Lynne Gow, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander based in the Highlands, said: “I would agree that we have adequate resources. We’re absolutely certain of our practical plan here.” The RSPB reported that 27 of its staff and volunteers were out earlier in the week helping fight the blaze with all-terrain vehicles, water bowsers, backpack hoses, and shovels.
A strict cordon remains in place, and the public has been warned not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing.
Wildfire Risk and Other Incidents
Fire service deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said: “This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions. I would also like to thank our partner agencies, landowners and local organisations whose support has been invaluable throughout this response. The safety of our communities remains our priority, and we will continue to assess the need for any further evacuations alongside multi-agency partners as the incident progresses. The wildfire risk across Scotland remains high. We are asking everyone to follow the advice in place, stay away from the affected area and help reduce the risk of further wildfires while our crews continue their work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
The blaze occurs as parts of Scotland face a very high risk of wildfire over the next few days. The fire service, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, has issued wildfire warnings for the central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland, effective from Wednesday until Monday, following days of hot and dry weather.
Elsewhere, firefighters are tackling a wildfire at Fauldhouse Moor in West Lothian, called to the scene at 5.52pm on Thursday, with two fire engines remaining on Friday morning. No casualties have been reported.
