Cairngorms fire now largely contained, but incident remains live
Officials in the Cairngorms National Park say a large wildfire burning near Nethy Bridge is now "largely surrounded", with containment lines holding on Sunday afternoon. Residents and campers displaced by an exclusion zone could be allowed back "later today", although a full return to normality remains some way off as crews continue to secure the perimeter.
The park authority confirmed the blaze, which at its height covered around four square kilometres, is under much tighter control following sustained efforts on the ground and in the air. Helicopter drops have supported firefighters in terrain that is difficult to reach by vehicle, while teams continue to damp down hotspots and monitor conditions.
“News from Glenmore this morning is very encouraging, with colleagues from SFRS indicating that the fire is now largely surrounded. This is, though, still a live situation and teams are still very active on the ground, so we are taking nothing for granted at this stage,” said Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at the park authority.
Mr Miles thanked residents, visitors and businesses for their cooperation during what he called a challenging period, adding that the access route known locally as the Ski Road and nearby areas are likely to remain off-limits for some time due to the scale of the response and the amount of machinery operating on-site.
Resources remain in place as crews consolidate gains
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said resources would stay deployed while work continues to strengthen control lines and check for flare-ups. According to the service, a mix of standard appliances and specialist units are engaged across the affected area, with progress described as significant and visible across multiple sectors.
| Asset | Deployed |
|---|---|
| Fire appliances | 6 |
| All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) | 2 |
| Wildfire support unit | 1 |
| Water carrier | 1 |
The park authority emphasised that, while the situation is improving, it remains dynamic and dependent on conditions on the ground. Teams from multiple agencies and land managers are continuing to coordinate the response to ensure the fire stays within established containment lines.
Access restrictions and advice for visitors
With the incident still active, visitors have been urged to respect closures and follow directions from responders. The authority has warned that the Ski Road and surrounding areas will remain restricted to allow the fire service and partners to operate safely and efficiently. Those who were directly affected by the exclusion zone are expected, subject to operational decisions, to be able to access their properties or campsites later on Sunday.
- Expect ongoing restrictions on the Ski Road and immediate vicinity while heavy machinery and crews remain in place.
- Residents and campers within the original exclusion zone may be permitted to return later today, depending on safety assessments.
- Visitors should check the latest local updates before travelling and comply with any diversion or closure signage.
What it means for travellers from London
While the fire is hundreds of miles from south-west London, Wandsworth residents planning trips to the Highlands should factor in potential disruption in the Glenmore and Nethy Bridge areas. Anyone with bookings in or near the national park should seek confirmation from accommodation providers and follow official guidance on access. Conditions are expected to change as operations progress.
The park authority and SFRS both underscored that the priority remains preventing any resurgence of the blaze and ensuring safe access. Further updates are anticipated as crews assess the perimeter and the impact of continued firefighting efforts across the site.
