A helicopter is waterbombing a vast wildfire in the Cairngorms that has burned for three days, forcing evacuations and destroying more than 300 hectares of land. The blaze, which started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy near Nethy Bridge late on Wednesday morning, had spread across 3.7 miles by Thursday afternoon – later stretching to over four miles, according to fire crews.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) described it as a “protracted incident” and said it had “adequate resources” to deal with the fire. Nine fire appliances and specialist resources remained on the scene on Friday morning, alongside the helicopter that was deployed on Thursday night after local residents called for one. An SFRS spokesperson said a request for a helicopter had been made on Wednesday but none were available.
“Helicopter waterbombs four-mile Cairngorms wildfire as firefighters enter third day; 300 hectares burned.”
Homes, businesses, campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution. Firefighters, working with landowners, have been creating fire breaks to contain the spread. Lynne Gow, an SFRS area commander based in the Highlands, said: “We're absolutely certain of our practical plan here.” No casualties have been reported.
The RSPB said approximately 300 hectares of land have been burned, and that 27 of its staff and volunteers had helped fight the blaze earlier in the week, using all-terrain vehicles with water bowsers, backpack hoses and shovels.
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Neil Gray, whose responsibilities include the SFRS, said the fire was “currently contained” thanks to the “exceptional work of firefighters”. But the SFRS said the fire is still burning with flames continuing at a steady pace. Deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said: “I want …” – his statement was cut off in the source material.
Michael Byrne, a climate scientist at St Andrews University, told the BBC that more winter rainfall combined with overall warming was leading to an increasing threat of wildfires in Scotland. 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 continue.
