Cairngorms wildfire update: cordon reduction

Plans for a phased reduction of some cordons in the Glenmore area affected by the Cairngorms wildfire are being finalised.

Following a reduction of the incident cordon by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), and as part of this managed re-opening, people working at the Refuel event at Badaguish this week and those staying at the event ground will be allowed past the existing road checkpoint at Coylumbridge from Tuesday, 4 August.  

This will allow access as far as Badaguish, where an incident cordon remains in place, and will require proof of site access or a valid event ticket.  

The multi-agency partnership aims to support the community and local businesses. This event will generate significant footfall in the Aviemore area, however public safety must remain the top priority.  

Access to and from the event will be strictly managed by event staff to prevent further public access into the Glenmore Forest and Loch Morlich area, which remains a live incident ground.
 
Ongoing firefighting operations, the movement of heavy machinery, unsteady trees and work to remove them and helicopter operations means there is still risk to the public in the incident area, and it remains closed.

However, good progress is being made to dampen down hotspots and extinguish deep seated fires in the Glenmore area and across the incident ground.  

To support the Refuel event, Highland Council has drafted a traffic management plan and Forestry and Land Scotland has drafted a public access management plan for the forest and surrounding area. Both will be reassessed as part of regular cordon reviews.

This is to manage public footfall and traffic, and to minimise access to the incident area via forest paths, biking trails and roads.  

As cordons are reduced, routes in and out of the incident area will be fully signposted, with clear guidance on what areas are accessible.  

Information on wider access for the public and local businesses is expected to follow later this week.  

Any movement of the cordon is only possible once all multi-agency responders agree that all possible contingencies have been taken to ensure the safety of the public. This is being reviewed daily.  

SFRS currently has six fire appliances on site, with around 30 firefighters working alongside partners and helicopter support to extinguish remaining hotspots and deep-seated fires. This includes the use of heavy machinery to clear trees and dig trenches through peat layers to prevent underground spread.  

The local authority is also hosting drop-in sessions for residents and businesses affected by the fire to find out what support is available to them.

Drop-in sessions to provide advice and support to people affected by Cairngorms wildfire - Highland Council

Police Scotland has an up-to-date list of road closures available on its website: News August 2026 - Police Scotland