Cairngorms wildfire burns for third day across nearly four miles

Image source, PA Media Image caption, The scene in the Cairngorms late on Thursday night Published 17 July 2026, 08:09 BST Updated 27 minutes ago Firefighters are spending a third day tackling a major wildfire which has led to evacuations in the Cairngorms. The blaze started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and had spread across 3.7 miles (6km) by Thursday afternoon. A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution. A helicopter joined the firefighting efforts on Thursday. Six fire engines and specialist resources remained at the scene on Friday morning. Cairngorms wildfire 'contained', but very high risk remains Published 16 hours ago Scots urged to 'stay vigilant' as wildfire risk very high Published 1 day ago Scotland facing escalating threat from wildfires - report Published 6 March The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it was facing a "protracted incident" as it sought to prevent the flames spreading to other areas, but added that it had "adequate resources" to deal with the incident. On Thursday, Justice Secretary Neil Gray, whose ministerial responsibilities include the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), said the fire was "currently contained" thanks to "exceptional work of firefighters". There have been no reports of any casualties. Image source, PA Media Image caption, Photos from Thursday show the impact of the fire Lynne Gow, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) area commander based in the Highlands, said: "I would agree that we have adequate resources. We're absolutely certain of our practical plan here." The RSPB said approximately 300 hectares of land have been burned so far. The charity said 27 of its staff and volunteers were out helping fight the blaze earlier in the week, using equipment including all-terrain vehicles with water bowsers, backpack hoses and shovels. A strict cordon remains in place and people have been warned not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing. SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said: "I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions. "The safety of our communities remains our priority, and we will continue to assess the need for any further evacuations alongside multi-agency partners as the incident progresses." Neil Gray, Gray also praised police, land managers and volunteers for "an outstanding job keeping people, property and the natural environment as safe as possible". He said: "I ask everyone in the affected area to continue following advice from the authorities. "Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure." Get in touch Have you been affected by the wild