Fire crews continued to battle a large wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park on Friday after the blaze, which began on heathland beside Ryvoan Bothy, spread rapidly and prompted precautionary evacuations of homes and visitor sites.
Resources mobilised as fire spreads across moorland
Emergency responders described a protracted incident after the fire, which was discovered on Wednesday, extended across roughly six kilometres by the afternoon of Thursday. Firefighting teams worked through the night and remained at the scene on Friday morning, supported by specialist units and a water-dropping helicopter.
Local managers said campsites, ski facilities and other businesses in the Glenmore Forest Park area were closed and some properties cleared while teams focused on preventing further spread. There have been no reports of injuries.
“Emergency services are on the scene and they’re working tirelessly with colleagues from NGOs, local estates and other gamekeepers to put the fire out. There’s also a helicopter now on the scene dropping water on the fire, which is going to help,” said Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
Official response and safety measures
Scotland's Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who oversees resilience matters, said the blaze had been contained and stressed public safety measures had been applied. He thanked firefighters, police, land managers and volunteers for their work.
- Incident duration: into a third day of operations
- Estimated area affected: around six kilometres
- Assets on scene: multiple fire engines, specialist resources and an aerial firefighting helicopter
- Evacuations: campsites and other visitor facilities in Glenmore Forest Park closed as a precaution
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start location | Heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge |
| Area affected | Approximately 6 km |
| Response assets | Fire engines, specialist teams, helicopter |
Local and environmental implications
The wildfire threatens both property and environmentally sensitive upland habitat. Wildfires in the Cairngorms can damage peat and heather ecosystems, with longer-term consequences for carbon storage and biodiversity; they also pose risks to tourism-dependent businesses in the area.
Responders have emphasised that the immediate priority is public safety and protecting life and property. Local land managers and voluntary groups were reported to be working alongside emergency services to contain the flames.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and updates are expected as containment improves and the risk of re-ignition is assessed.
