Helicopter deployed as firefighters spend third day tackling Cairngorms wildfire
Emergency Response Intensifies as Cairngorms Blaze Enters Third Day
Helicopter deployed as firefighters spend third - Aerial support has been brought in to assist ground crews who are now on their third consecutive day of battling a significant wildfire that has forced evacuations across the Cairngorms region. The deployment of a helicopter marks an escalation in efforts to contain the flames that have already consumed substantial tracts of land.
The emergency began late Wednesday morning when flames broke out in heathland territory close to Ryvoan Bothy, situated near Nethy Bridge. By Thursday afternoon, the inferno had expanded to encompass approximately six kilometres of territory. Authorities have since confirmed that roughly four square kilometres, equivalent to 1.5 square miles, have been scorched by the relentless fire.
Evacuations and Resource Mobilization
Safety measures have prompted the closure and evacuation of numerous properties, including residential homes, commercial establishments, campsites, and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park vicinity. Emergency personnel have mobilized extensively, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reporting that more than fifty firefighters remain stationed at the location alongside nine fire appliances and various specialist equipment.
Water is being actively pumped from Loch Morlich to sustain firefighting operations. Crews are collaborating with landowners and partner organizations to construct firebreaks and prevent further expansion of the blaze. Area commander Lynne Gow emphasized that the helicopter's involvement is proving valuable in restricting the fire's reach.
"The deployment of a helicopter provides an additional operational capability which can be particularly effective across challenging terrain and in areas that are difficult to access," she explained.
"Aerial support complements the extensive work already being undertaken by firefighters and partner agencies on the ground and enhances our ability to limit the spread of fire where conditions allow, as we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
Government Response and Monitoring
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth acknowledged the severity of the situation on Friday, describing it as a "very distressing and challenging time" for the Cairngorms community. She confirmed that the fire is currently being contained, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service maintaining control over the situation.
"Ministers are receiving regular updates. The Justice Secretary is leading on that matter. I've been receiving updates as well, it's a very concerning time."
Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who oversees resilience matters, met with senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officers on Friday morning to obtain the latest developments. He expressed gratitude to all parties involved, including SFRS crews, Police Scotland personnel, land managers, volunteers, and partner agencies working collaboratively to protect people, property, and the natural environment.
"I want to thank everyone involved in tackling this incident for their exceptional dedication and hard work," Gray stated.
Environmental Impact and Public Warnings
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Birds reported that approximately 300 hectares of land have been affected. The charity noted that twenty-seven of its staff members and volunteers assisted in firefighting efforts earlier in the week, utilizing equipment such as all-terrain vehicles equipped with water bowsers, backpack hoses, and shovels.
A strict cordon has been established, and the public has been advised against traveling to or attempting access to Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, and surrounding areas while operations continue. The fire service, working with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, has issued wildfire warnings covering the central Highlands, southern Scotland, and eastern Scotland. This alert, indicating a very high risk of wildfire, became effective on Wednesday and will remain in place until Monday.
The warnings follow several days of hot and dry conditions across many regions of the country. In addition to the Cairngorms situation, firefighters have been addressing separate wildfires at Fauldhouse Moor in West Lothian and at Tentsmuir Forest in Fife, where multiple fire engines were dispatched when alarms were raised.