Cairngorms Wildfire Largely Surrounded as Emergency Response Continues
Containment has improved with crews and helicopters surrounding the blaze, leaving exclusion zones and a multi-day response in place to extinguish hotspots and support displaced residents.
Overview
- The wildfire began near Ryvoan Bothy and, after breaking out on Wednesday July 15, spread rapidly through Glenmore Forest Park and prompted evacuations of homes, campsites and businesses.
- Fire services and partners have deployed large resources at the scene, including six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles, a wildfire support unit, a water carrier and helicopter water-bombing to reach remote areas.
- Park officials and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service say the blaze is now largely surrounded but remains active, with exclusion zones around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Abernethy and road closures such as the C7 Ski Road at Coylumbridge still in force.
- Police and Highland Council are coordinating access and support for displaced people, arranging controlled returns to collect belongings and directing affected residents to contact the council housing team on 01349 886691 for help.
- Officials warn hotspots could flare and crews will continue monitoring and firefighting for days, with estimates that the fire burned roughly four to six square kilometres at its peak and long-term recovery for the damaged heath and forest expected.