A massive wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park has entered its third day, prompting mass evacuations and forcing residents to leave their pets behind. The blaze, which started on Wednesday morning near the remote Ryvoan Bothy close to Nethy Bridge, has spread across approximately six kilometres by Thursday afternoon, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
Evacuations and Safety Measures
People have been ordered to flee their homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, as a safety precaution. Local resident Duncan Ferguson from Glenmore, a village near Aviemore, recounted how police arrived at his house on Wednesday afternoon, instructing residents to “leave your pets and go.” The fire service has confirmed no casualties have been reported.
The RSPB reported that roughly 300 hectares of land have been burnt so far. The charity deployed 27 staff and volunteers earlier in the week to assist firefighting efforts, using all-terrain vehicles with water bowsers, backpack hoses, and shovels.
Firefighting Operations Ongoing
Firefighters worked through the night on Thursday, with six fire engines and specialist resources remaining at the scene on Friday morning. The SFRS described the incident as a “protracted incident.” SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin stated: “This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions.” He added that the safety of communities remains the priority and that further evacuations may be assessed alongside multi-agency partners.
Scotland’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who holds responsibility for resilience within his portfolio, said on Thursday that the fire has been contained. He commented: “This wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park is currently contained thanks to the exceptional work of firefighters who have been on the scene since Wednesday morning. Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure.” Gray thanked firefighters, police, land managers, and volunteers for their efforts.
Resources and Restrictions
SFRS area commander Lynne Gow, based in the Highlands, confirmed adequate resources are available: “I would agree that we have adequate resources. We’re absolutely certain of our practical plan here.” A strict cordon remains in place, and people are advised not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, or the surrounding area while firefighting operations continue.
The wildfire coincides with a very high risk of wildfire in parts of Scotland over the next few days. The SFRS, 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.
Additional Wildfire Incident
Elsewhere, firefighters are tackling a separate wildfire at Fauldhouse Moor in West Lothian. Crews were called to the scene at 5:52 pm on Thursday, with two fire engines remaining on site Friday morning. No casualties have been reported.
