First Minister thanks emergency services at scene of Cairngorms wildfire

First Minister John Swinney today met firefighters at the scene of an ongoing wildfire incident in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has deployed significant resources to tackle this incident since the alarm was first raised on Wednesday, 15 July. This includes more than 100 firefighters, specialist wildfire units, and a high-volume pump drawing water from Loch Morlich, supported by partner agencies and helicopter water bombing operations.

The wildfire has affected around 10 square kilometres of land across the Glenmore and Abernethy area. SFRS has made significant progress in tackling the fire, but significant hotspots remain across a large and complex landscape and an operational presence will continue throughout the week until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.

During his visit, the First Minister met SFRS wildfire tactical advisers and crews from Ballater and Kingussie Community Fire Stations to see first-hand the impact of the fire and the extensive response being coordinated to protect communities, infrastructure and the environment.

SFRS Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson said: “This has been a protracted and complex wildfire incident requiring a sustained multi-agency response over several days. I would like to thank our firefighters, incident commanders, Operations Control staff, partner agencies, landowners and the local community for their continued support, resilience and cooperation throughout this incident.

“Crews have worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, including steep and often inaccessible terrain, supported by a robust tactical plan.

“Their efforts have involved working with landowners and partner agencies to establish and maintain fire breaks to contain the spread of fire, limiting further damage and protecting surrounding infrastructure.

“Although we have made substantial progress, this remains a live operational incident and firefighters will remain in attendance until the area is safe.”We continue to ask the public to avoid the area, respect all road closures and cordons, and follow the advice of emergency services at all times.”

A strict cordon remains in place and there is currently no public access for vehicles or walkers to Glenmore Forest Park or Loch Morlich to support ongoing firefighting operations and ensure public safety.

A Very High Risk wildfire warning remains in place across Central Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland until Friday, 24 July.

Assistant Chief Officer Henderson added: “The conditions which contribute to wildfires remain present across large parts of Scotland. We urge everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and do everything possible to reduce the risk of fire.

“Please do not light campfires, use disposable barbecues or have any naked flames near dry vegetation. It only takes a small spark to start a wildfire that can spread rapidly and have a significant impact on communities, wildlife and the environment.”