Fire crews have successfully 'surrounded' a large-scale wildfire that has been raging for several days in the Cairngorms National Park. The blaze, which began near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, on Wednesday, prompted the evacuation of homes, businesses, and campsites in the Glenmore Forest Park area, including a local ski resort.
On Sunday, police began escorting residents and campers back to their properties and campsites, allowing them to collect essential personal belongings. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported 'significant progress' in containing the fire, attributing much of this to favourable weather conditions, including lower winds and rainfall, experienced on Saturday.
Emergency responders have employed a range of resources, with over 100 firefighters on the ground. Forestry Scotland provided drones for aerial reconnaissance, while helicopters were instrumental in water-bombing difficult-to-reach areas. A high-volume pump has been drawing water from Loch Morlich to bolster firefighting efforts, targeting sections of the six square kilometre area affected by the fire.
Gavin Miles, Director of Planning and Place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), acknowledged the 'heroic efforts' of those on the ground. However, he cautioned that the situation remains live, and roadblocks will stay in place until the operation is fully completed. The CNPA has urged the public to avoid Glenmore, Abernethy, Loch Morlich, and surrounding areas, noting that the affected vicinity is likely to remain 'off limits' for some time.
The SFRS confirmed that six appliances and specialist resources, including all-terrain vehicles, are still at the scene. They anticipate reviewing their presence at the incident over the coming days, a decision that will be contingent on prevailing weather conditions and any changes in the fire's behaviour.