Cairngorms wildfire sparks public safety warning

The fire, near Ryvoan Bothy north east of Glenmore, was reported to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) at 11.49am on Thursday 15th, July, with four appliances and specialist wildfire crews sent to the scene.

People living in Aviemore, Glenmore and nearby areas have been advised to keep doors and windows shut due to heavy smoke, while visitors and hillwalkers are being asked to stay away from the area until firefighting operations are complete.

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has urged those in the area to take the warnings seriously, with Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects, describing it as a 'serious and fast-moving incident'.

He said: “This is clearly a serious and fast-moving incident, and we urge everyone in the area to follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“Members of the public should stay away from the affected area, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and close windows and doors if they can see or smell smoke.

“We encourage landowners and land managers in the vicinity of the incident to take precautionary measures - including the readying of specialist equipment used for fire containment and suppression.”

The warning comes after a Wildfire Danger Assessment highlighted a very high risk of wildfire across the central Highlands, eastern and southern Scotland until July 20.

Mr Ewing thanked those involved in tackling the blaze and protecting communities and the countryside.

“These are extremely challenging conditions, and our heartfelt thanks go to the firefighters and those supporting them who are working to protect local communities, wildlife and the landscape,” he said.

SLE is also reminding landowners and members of the public to remain alert as dry weather conditions increase the risk of further wildfires.