Update on wildfire incidents across Highland and Moray

Update on Thursday, 3 July

Over the past few days, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have responded to large and challenging wildfires across Highland, Moray, and Aberdeenshire.

The scale and complexity of the incidents resulted in a significant deployment of resources to the area.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video that shows the huge scale of the response and acknowledges the dedication of all the firefighters who responded.

Media statement - Wednesday, 2 July - 4pm

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “One fire appliance remains in Dava, near Grantown-on-Spey, as a precaution following wildfires which affected areas of the Highlands and Moray from Saturday, 28 June.

“This incident has been challenging and saw a significant deployment of resources to the area, including on call and wholetime crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland who worked effectively alongside landowners and partner agencies.

“I’d like to recognise the efforts of all firefighters who attended and particularly those who are on call and often combine this role with other jobs in the community. They continue to be invaluable in responding to incidents like these that impact hugely on rural areas.

“A joint investigation alongside our colleagues from Police Scotland is now underway.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is advising residents living and working nearby to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering.

Members of the public are being urged to be mindful of the real risk of wildfires and help prevent them from happening in the first place. When outdoors, the advice is to not light fires, stoves or BBQs during prolonged dry periods and not to leave litter behind or drop cigarettes.

Media statement – Tuesday, 1 July, at 1pm

Firefighters remain at Highland and Moray wildfires for fourth day

Firefighters are working tirelessly to tackle wildfires across Highland and Moray for the fourth day in a row.

Eight fire appliances remain at various locations on Tuesday, 1 July, to extinguish pockets of fire from Nairn in Highland to Knockando in Moray.

The fire started on Saturday morning and dozens of firefighters from across northern areas, supported by the wider organisation, have been involved over the past few days in making the area safe.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ross Robison of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The vast scale of these fires has been challenging for our crews over the past four days, particularly because of the strong winds that have caused the fires and smoke to spread further across the landscape.

“There has been a significant deployment of resources to the area, including on call and wholetime crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland who have been working effectively alongside landowners and partner agencies.

“I’d like to recognise the efforts of all firefighters who attended and particularly those who are on call and often combine this role with other jobs in the community. They continue to be invaluable in responding to incidents like these that impact hugely on rural areas.

"We've been supported by the use of helicopters provided by partners for water bombardment and we have deployed specialist wildfire teams and assets."

Firefighters have been using specialist equipment like all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, beaters and leaf blowers on the ground with SFRS wildfire tactical advisors coordinating the response.

If smoke is still visible, people living and working nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

There have been several road closures as a result of the fires and members of the public should avoid travelling to the area.

DACO Robison added: “It’s been a tremendous effort from our staff who have been part of the emergency response since Saturday.

“We will continue to bring in relief crews and ensure the welfare of firefighters who remain at the scene working to bring these fires to a safe conclusion.

“We also want to recognise the overwhelming support for our crews from communities.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is aware that members of the public have been donating welfare supplies to local fire stations involved in the response. Whilst grateful for the support, SFRS is not able to accept any more items. Monetary donations cannot be accepted.

Members of the public are being urged to be mindful of the real risk of wildfires and help prevent them from happening in the first place. When outdoors, the advice is don’t light fires, stoves or BBQs during prolonged dry periods and don’t leave litter behind or drop cigarettes.

Update on Monday, 30 June, at 8.40pm

We urge residents in the Grantown-on-Spey, Carrbridge, Aviemore, and Cairngorms areas to ensure their windows and doors are closed to prevent smoke from entering.

Our firefighters continue to work tirelessly to tackle several wildfire incidents from Carrbridge in Highland to Dallas, outside Forres in Moray.

A significant number of resources and special resources have been mobilised throughout the area.

Please check our resources on how to protect your home from wildfire.

Update on Monday, 30 June, at 5.50pm

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at several wildfire incidents from Carrbridge in Highland to Dallas, outside Forres in Moray.

A significant number of resources and special resources have been mobilised throughout the area.

Area Commander Michael Humphreys is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services Wildfire Lead. He said: “We are currently in attendance at a number of wildfires across a wide ranging area, from Carrbridge in Highland to Dallas in Forres.

“Due to strong winds, a significant plume of smoke is spreading into nearby residential areas. If you can see the smoke, please make sure your windows and doors are closed.

“I would ask that the public be mindful of the real risk of wildfire, and don’t light fires, stoves or BBQs. Leaving litter behind, or dropping cigarettes hugely increases the risk of wildfires.

“I would like to thank all of our firefighters who have attended incidents throughout the area across the weekend and into today.”

Road closures in the area:

• The B9007 is closed from the junction at Duthil to Ferness.
• The A939 is closed from Grantown-on-Spey to Ferness and the A940 is closed at Dava.
• The B9102 is closed from Grantown-on-Spey to Upper Knockando and Dallas.
• The snowgates at Carrbridge are closed.

For further information on road closures, please see Police Scotland’s social media pages.

You can find out more information on wildfires, and all safety measures on our dedicated wildfire page.