Overview
- A wildfire started on Wednesday in heathland near Ryvoan Bothy close to Nethy Bridge and has since burned about 741 acres (roughly 300 hectares).
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners have deployed more than 50 personnel, multiple appliances, specialist units, ATVs and a water-bombing helicopter drawing water from Loch Morlich to fight the blaze.
- Police and local authorities set exclusion zones, closed the Ski Road and evacuated or closed campsites, resorts and some homes in Glenmore Forest Park as a precaution.
- Conservation groups including RSPB Scotland and land managers say young Scots pine, regenerating broadleaf areas and wildlife have been damaged and are being monitored.
- Crews say they have made significant progress on western and eastern flanks, but they warn the incident is weather-driven, remains active in places, and operations are likely to continue for several days.