Residents can return to their properties as the multiagency response to the fire in Cairngorms National Park continues

After an extensive multi-agency response to a large fire within Cairngorms National Park, residents of Nethy Bridge are being advised that they can now return to their properties.

Superintendent Judy Hill said: “I would want to reassure our communities that the ongoing multi agency response remains a high priority, with significant partnership resources and volunteers working tirelessly and in challenging circumstances, to support our efforts to extinguish the fires.

“Thanks to the efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers, contractors, partners and many others over the past 24 hours, there is no longer the immediate threat which prompted the evacuation of properties in Nethy Bridge.

“We are grateful to the community for their support and understanding in what has been a period of concern and disruption.”

The major incident declared by Police Scotland last night, as a result of a change in weather conditions due to the immediate risk to the community, has been stood down while Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and our Local Response Partners continue to put all required resources to tackling the fire.

Firefighters will continue to maintain a significant operational presence until the incident is safely concluded. Seventy-five firefighters have remained on the ground today, working alongside partner agencies, and more than 30 heavy machinery operators, to tackle areas of fire affecting land near Nethy Bridge. Helicopter water-bombing has continued and remains a vital part of supporting crews on the ground.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has thanked volunteers who have offered assistance.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “The decision to stand down the major incident follows a detailed assessment by emergency responders. 

"The extensive work carried out over recent days, including the creation of effective fire breaks, has significantly reduced the risk to nearby communities, allowing evacuated residents to safely return home.

“Public safety remains our absolute priority. We want to reassure local communities that we will maintain a significant operational response until the incident has been safely concluded and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has supported the response, including the heavy machinery operators, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate game keepers, volunteers and our emergency service partners."

A total of more than 500 firefighters have been involved in the response since the incident began on 15 July.

The existing advice for those living in the affected areas and the areas that are currently being impacted by the spread of smoke, including Aberdeenshire and Moray, are asked to keep all windows and doors closed. Anyone with concerns should visit NHS Highland.