Emergency services are continuing their efforts to contain a significant wildfire that has swept across approximately two kilometres of dry land within the Cairngorms National Park. The blaze, which ignited near Ryvoan Bothy at Nethy Bridge at around 11:50 on Wednesday, has necessitated overnight operations by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
As a result of the ongoing incident, residents from nearby villages, along with visitors at campsites and ski resorts, have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Police Scotland has confirmed the closure of the C7 road, commonly known as Ski Road, and has urged anyone walking in the Cairngorms to avoid the affected area and inform family or friends of their safe return. Four fire appliances remain at the scene, with Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin stating that crews are working tirelessly to bring the fire under control and limit its spread, anticipating a considerable time on scene.
The current weather conditions, characterised by warm temperatures and high winds, have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire across dry terrain. A 'very high' risk of wildfire is currently in place across the central Highlands, southern, and eastern parts of Scotland. The SFRS has reported no casualties, but the scale of the incident highlights the challenges posed by such conditions in rural areas.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has deployed staff to the scene, as the fire impacts the southern boundary of their Loch Garten Nature Reserve in Abernethy. While ospreys in the area are believed to be safe, there are concerns for ground-nesting capercaillie, a critically endangered species, which have been spotted near Ryvoan. The Scottish government earlier this year announced an emergency plan to boost capercaillie numbers in the Cairngorms, a species that has seen a 50% increase in breeding males since 2020 but remains vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats.
Local residents have described seeing plumes of smoke and hearing sirens, with one evacuated resident, Duncan Ferguson, expressing concern over the lack of a fire plan for Glenmore, a request he says was made five years ago. RSPB Scotland confirmed that colleagues from neighbouring Wildland Ltd and Rothiemurchus Estates are assisting with fogging units and water pumps. Efforts to secure a private helicopter for assessment were unsuccessful due to resources being deployed to other fires in England, underscoring the widespread nature of wildfire challenges across the UK.