Residents Staying Put in Village Criticise Cairngorms Wildfire Response
Why Locals Refused to Leave Despite Evacuation Orders
Traveloasisspot.com – Residents staying put in village near the Cairngorms wildfire have voiced strong criticism of the emergency response, arguing that authorities acted too slowly to protect the community. While officials issued evacuation orders on Friday evening, many homeowners chose to remain in their properties, believing the situation was manageable. The decision to stay has since been praised by some, though others feel the response was reactive rather than proactive.
Nethy Bridge, a small settlement within Cairngorms National Park, became the focal point of the crisis as flames approached from multiple directions. Police Scotland declared a major incident on Friday, instructing residents to leave as a precaution. However, by Saturday night, Superintendent Judy Hill announced that the immediate threat had passed, allowing people to return home.
Community Resilience Amidst Growing Concerns
Richard Eccles, who has lived in Nethy Bridge with his wife Patricia for over thirty years, was among the residents staying put in village despite the official advice to evacuate. The couple runs a guest house and had prepared a camper van as an alternative. When police arrived at their door around 10pm on Friday, they were given three options: stay, find accommodation with friends or family, or head to the Macdonald hotel in Aviemore.
“We’ve got a camper van and we’re all ready and set to go at a moment’s notice,” Mr Eccles explained. “If it gets smoky, we’ll go.”
The Eccles family joined the majority of villagers who decided to remain. Wind patterns shifted favorably, redirecting the fire away from the settlement after seven days of burning. Thick smoke that obscured visibility on Friday cleared considerably by Saturday, giving residents hope.
Local Voices Call for Better Emergency Planning
Despite the positive outcome, criticism remains. Mr Eccles suggested that the Scottish Government should have declared a major incident earlier and deployed military support to contain the blaze before it spread. He described the approach as closing the stable door after the horse has bolted—a sentiment echoed by other residents staying put in village who felt the response lacked urgency.
The wildfire also disrupted local life beyond evacuation orders. A wedding planned at Castle Roy, close to Nethy Bridge, was cancelled due to the emergency situation. Meanwhile, emergency services established a base in the village, with school grounds serving as parking for vehicles and the village hall functioning as a rest area for firefighters.
Grateful locals showed their appreciation for the emergency workers. Francis Lake, who runs the Nethy House cafe with his 21-year-old son Tom, delivered baked goods to responders. Though they had briefly left on Friday night, the Lakes returned on Saturday to support the ongoing efforts.
“It’s really scary. But you just have to hope it resolves,” Francis said.
What Residents Need to Know Going Forward
Superintendent Judy Hill credited the improved situation to coordinated efforts between fire crews, gamekeepers, contractors, and volunteers who worked throughout the previous twenty-four hours. The village remains a hub for emergency operations, with local businesses reopening and residents gradually returning to normal routines.
For those interested in following updates on the Cairngorms wildfire, Standard.co.uk provides comprehensive coverage of the developing situation. Residents staying put in village continue to monitor weather conditions closely, prepared to evacuate if necessary while appreciating the opportunity to remain in their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were evacuation orders issued for Nethy Bridge?
Evacuation orders were issued on Friday evening as the wildfire approached the village. Police Scotland declared a major incident, instructing residents to leave as a precautionary measure. By Saturday night, the major incident declaration was lifted, allowing residents to return home.
Why did some residents choose to stay despite evacuation orders?
Many residents staying put in village felt the situation was manageable and had contingency plans in place. Richard Eccles, for example, had a camper van ready and could leave quickly if conditions worsened. Wind patterns also shifted favorably, redirecting the fire away from the settlement.
What criticism have locals raised about the emergency response?
Some residents staying put in village criticized the Scottish Government for declaring a major incident too late and not deploying military support sooner. They felt the response was reactive rather than proactive, describing it as closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
How has the wildfire affected local events and businesses?
The wildfire disrupted a wedding ceremony at Castle Roy and required emergency services to establish a base in Nethy Bridge. Local businesses have since reopened, and residents are gradually returning to normal routines while remaining vigilant about potential changes in weather conditions.
