Significant firefighting operation continues as Cairngorms wildfire enters twelfth day
Significant firefighting operation continues as Cairngorms wildfire enters twelfth day (1)
Emergency services are continuing an intensive operation to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire, following heavy rain and low wind conditions in the early hours of Sunday, 26 July.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), supported by partner agencies and volunteers, maintained a significant presence on scene overnight and is now taking advantage of the improved conditions to undertake targeted and aggressive firefighting activity.
The weather conditions have helped slow fire behaviour and limit further spread.
SFRS still has more than 70 firefighters, nine fire appliances and additional specialist resources on scene, supported by three helicopters conducting water-bombing operations.
This includes firefighters working with partners and volunteers with heavy machinery at the north edge of the incident to prevent further spread, and a visible presence in both Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul.
This is still very much a large, multi-agency response with partners, volunteers and the community pulling together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: "I want to reassure everyone affected by this prolonged incident that we are still fully committed with the appropriate resourcing in place as we work to protect the community.
"This is still very much a large, multi-agency response with partners, volunteers and the community pulling together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
"We intend to take advantage of the positive weather conditions to aggressively fight this fire in key areas, particularly in the North end of the incident ground to make an impact while the conditions allow.
"However, we are not complacent; SFRS staff and partners remain vigilant across all areas of the incident ground to monitor for any flare up."
More than 500 firefighters and staff from partners and community volunteers have been actively involved in or supported the response since the incident began on 15 July.
DACO Barbour added: "This remains a dynamic and changing incident and we expect to be in attendance with significant resources into next week.
"I would once again like to thank our partners, the community and all of those who have volunteered to support the response to this incident so far and continue to do so today."
The existing advice for those living in the affected areas and the areas that are currently being impacted by the spread of smoke is to keep all windows and doors closed. Anyone with concerns should visit NHS Highland.
Drone images courtesy of the Cairngorms National Park Authority.