Emergency crews are entering their third day of battling an intense wildfire in the Cairngorms, an incident that has necessitated local evacuations. The fire originated in heathland near Ryvoan Bothy, close to Nethy Bridge, on Wednesday morning and had expanded to encompass approximately 3.7 miles by the following afternoon.
As a safety measure, authorities have cleared several businesses and homes, including ski resorts and campsites within Glenmore Forest Park. While a helicopter was deployed to assist with the suppression efforts on Thursday, six fire engines and specialized teams remained on-site as of Friday morning. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) described the situation as a long-term challenge but confirmed they possess sufficient resources to handle the event.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray stated that the fire is currently under control due to the diligent efforts of the responding teams. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported. The RSPB noted that roughly 300 hectares have been scorched, with 27 of its personnel assisting by using all-terrain vehicles and various firefighting tools. A strict cordon is active, and officials have instructed the public to avoid the area and refrain from entering locations like Loch Morlich.
Environmental concerns have been raised regarding the local capercaillie population, a species recently targeted for conservation efforts in the region. Meanwhile, a local reindeer visitor centre confirmed that their animals are secure, though operations have been suspended. The SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum have extended a high-risk wildfire alert for central and eastern Scotland until Monday, driven by recent dry and warm weather. Experts emphasize that such extreme conditions are increasingly common, urging the public to exercise caution and report any large outdoor fires by dialing 999 immediately.
