Cairngorms Wildfire: Partial easing of exclusion zone planned as response enters third week

As the multi-agency response enters its third week, a strict exclusion zone has remained in place to protect public safety while firefighting operations continue.

Although significant progress has been made in tackling the wildfire, substantial risks remain, including ongoing firefighting activity, helicopter operations, heavy machinery movements, tree felling, unstable ground, deep-seated hotspots within peatland and the continued potential for reignition. 

Partners hope this change can be made on Friday, 31 July, but the exact timing will be confirmed once all partner agencies are satisfied the necessary conditions have been met and that the changes can be introduced safely.

Once those conditions are met, the cordon at Coylumbridge Hotel will move approximately three kilometres further up the Ski Road as part of a phased reopening of the area. The exclusion zone will continue to be reviewed regularly, with any further changes agreed through the multi-agency partnership and based solely on public safety considerations.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant presence since the fire was first reported on 15 July. More than 70 firefighters, supported by nine fire appliances and specialist wildfire resources, continue to work alongside partner agencies, land managers, estate workers and volunteers.

Firefighting operations continue across a vast area of challenging and remote terrain. Activity includes targeted firefighting, helicopter waterbombing, the construction of firebreaks and work to expose and extinguish deep-seated hotspots within peatland.

Current road closures remain in place at:

• Ski Road – until conditions are met for a phased reopening.
• Forest Lodge access road.
• Lettoch Road.
• Dorback.

Walking routes currently closed include:

• Areas around Glenmore and Loch Morlich.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall a' Bhuachaille, Lochan Uaine, Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
• Abernethy Forest, south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Kenny Barbour said: "Protecting public safety remains our priority while firefighters and partner agencies continue to tackle what is still a large, complex and challenging wildfire.

"Although we've made significant progress over the past two weeks, there are still hazards across the incident area that may not be immediately obvious to members of the public. These include deep-seated peat fires, unstable ground, helicopter operations, heavy machinery, tree felling and the potential for reignition.

"Following a detailed multi-agency review, partners have agreed a phased reduction of part of the exclusion zone, subject to strict safety measures and operational mitigations being implemented.

DACO Barbour continued: "Once those conditions are met, the cordon at Coylumbridge Hotel will move approximately three kilometres further up the Ski Road. This will be the first stage of a phased reopening, with any further changes continuing to be agreed jointly by partners and introduced only when it is safe to do so.

"We are acutely aware of the impact this incident has had on local residents, businesses and visitors, and I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation while this important work continues."

The wildfire is estimated to have affected around 25 square kilometres.

SFRS expects to maintain a significant operational presence for some time as crews continue working along an extensive smouldering fire edge and tackling hotspots in difficult-to-access areas. Helicopters remain an essential part of the response in locations that cannot be reached safely by ground crews.

Members of the public may continue to see increased smoke and steam across the Glenmore area over the coming days as firefighting activity continues. Heavy machinery is also being used to construct additional trench firebreaks and expose deep-seated hotspots within peat layers.

DACO Barbour added: "This remains a resource-intensive incident, and we have committed significant personnel and specialist wildfire resources from across Scotland.

"We will continue working alongside our partners for as long as necessary to protect communities, support local businesses and assist the recovery phase.

"I would once again like to thank our firefighters and staff, partner agencies, volunteers, land managers and the local community for their continued support, resilience and the outstanding hospitality shown to our crews throughout this prolonged incident."

Anyone affected by smoke is advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Anyone with health concerns should seek advice from NHS Highland.