More than 50 firefighters and helicopters support ongoing response to Glenmore wildfire

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is reminding the public to stay away from the area while emergency services continue to respond to the incident. A strict cordon remains in place, with no access to Glenmore Forest Park or Loch Morlich, to support firefighting operations and ensure public safety.

Nine fire appliances, two specialist wildfire units and tactical commanders remain deployed today (Friday, 17 July). SFRS was first alerted to a fire in the open at around lunchtime on Wednesday, 15 July.

Crews are using a high-volume pump to draw large volumes of water from Loch Morlich to support firefighting operations and are continuing to work alongside landowners and partner agencies to establish firebreaks and contain the spread of the fire.

The high-volume pump is a critical part of the operation, enabling firefighters to transport substantial volumes of water over long distances and deliver a sustained water supply directly to the fire ground in an area where access can be challenging.

It is estimated that more than four square kilometres of land has been burnt by the wildfire.

Area Commander Lynne Gow said: "This remains a complex and protracted incident involving significant resources from across the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our partner agencies. We are undertaking aggressive operations across two sectors to contain and suppress the fire.

"Protecting communities, property and the environment remains our priority as we continue working to bring this incident under control. More than 50 firefighters, specialist wildfire resources and tactical commanders continue to be deployed, with operational activity being continually reviewed to ensure our response remains appropriate to the scale and nature of the incident.

"I would like to thank our firefighters for their tireless efforts in challenging conditions, as well as our partners, local businesses, communities and residents for their continued support and cooperation.

"We continue to work extremely closely with Forestry and Land Scotland and local gamekeepers, whose local expertise and knowledge of the land has been instrumental in supporting and informing our tactical plan.

"This incident remains appropriately resourced, with all assets coordinated through robust command structures, in partnership with agencies on the ground and through the Community Asset Register. We recognise and appreciate the offers of additional support that have been received. However, to support ongoing operations, we ask people not to attend the scene."

As part of the multi-agency response, helicopters continue to conduct water-bombing operations, providing additional support to firefighters working on the ground.

Area Commander Gow said: "The deployment of a helicopter provides an additional operational capability which can be particularly effective across challenging terrain and in areas that are difficult to access.

"Aerial support complements the extensive work already being undertaken by firefighters and partner agencies on the ground and enhances our ability to limit the spread of fire where conditions allow, as we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."

A number of properties and visitor centres remain evacuated as a precaution due to their proximity to the incident. Any further evacuation measures will continue to be assessed as conditions change and operational priorities dictate.

This incident comes as a 'very high risk' wildfire warning remains in place across Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland until Monday, 20 July.

Area Commander Gow added: "The risk of wildfire remains high across large parts of Scotland throughout the weekend, particularly while warm and dry conditions continue.

"We want people to enjoy the outdoors safely, but during periods of heightened wildfire risk we are asking everyone to act responsibly and avoid the use of naked flames.

"Wildfires can develop rapidly, spread unpredictably and have devastating consequences for communities, wildlife and the environment. By taking simple precautions, everyone can play a part in helping prevent further incidents."