Update: Wildfire at Cairngorms National Park

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park for a fifth consecutive day, supported by specialist resources and helicopter water-bombing operations.

We currently have six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Wildfire Support Unit and a water carrier at the scene.

There continues to be significant progress, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues to work in partnership with agencies and landowners to build on this, with firefighters continuing to monitor conditions closely and respond where required.

There are encouraging signs across the affected area, with visible improvements becoming increasingly evident. While this is positive, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and it is important that we do not become complacent.

There is further updated information from Police Scotland for local residents and members of the public who have been displaced by the ongoing wildfire.

We remind the public that the area remains closed to visitors and there are still road closures in place.

Please continue to follow the advice and updates from Police Scotland.

Police Scotland advice:

Local residents and other members of the public who have been displaced by the ongoing wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park who require to return to the exclusion zone are asked to call 01349 886691 to register their details.

You will then be contacted when it is deemed safe to enter.

We would like to remind the public that the area is closed to visitors, with the Cairngorm Ski Road (C7) currently closed at Coylumbridge.

People should continue to avoid the area unless contacted via the process detailed above.

ENDS

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park for a fourth consecutive day, supported by specialist resources and helicopter water-bombing operations.

The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.

However, there has been significant progress over the past 24 hours, with conditions on both the eastern flank, including the Strathnethy area, and the western flank showing marked improvement compared with this time yesterday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues to work in partnership with agencies and landowners to build on this progress.

The period between 3:00pm and 6:30pm remains the most challenging part of the day, as warmer temperatures and changing wind conditions can influence fire behaviour. Firefighters are continuing to monitor conditions closely and respond where required.

In light of the progress made, SFRS is reviewing its operational requirements and resource deployment for tonight and tomorrow. Crews remain fully committed to maintaining control of the incident and protecting local communities.

There are encouraging signs across the affected area, with visible improvements becoming increasingly evident. While this is positive, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and it is important that we do not become complacent.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said: “We hope this update provides reassurance to local residents and communities. However, it is equally important that expectations are managed given the unpredictable nature of wildfire incidents and the ongoing influence of weather conditions.

“We would like to thank the partnership working of landowners and agencies and our local communities for their continued patience, and cooperation throughout this incident.”

ENDS