AVIEMORE, SCOTLAND — Emergency services in the Scottish Highlands remain on high alert following the declaration of a major incident across the Cairngorms National Park, where a complex, ten-day wildfire has intensified and forced the evacuation of local communities.

The blaze, which broke out on 15 July near Ryvoan Bothy, has burned through ancient Caledonian Forest, heathland, and high-altitude habitats. While initial containment efforts appeared to ring-fence the fire by 20 July, a drastic shift in wind direction and strength on Friday, 24 July, caused severe flare-ups, driving the fire toward residential zones and mountain infrastructure.


"The situation in the Cairngorms National Park continues to present challenges to the emergency services. The wind has abated slightly compared to yesterday, but there remains a risk to the area," stated Superintendent Judy Hill of Police Scotland.


Emergency Evacuations and Respite Operations

Police Scotland ordered a mandatory evacuation of Nethy Bridge on Friday evening after fire lines breached safety thresholds. Officers went door-to-door across the exclusion zone to direct residents to a designated respite facility established at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Precautionary evacuations have also been implemented for scattered properties northwest of Dorback Lodge.

Overnight, heavy plant machinery, estate gamekeepers, local contractors, and firefighters established a primary fire break surrounding Nethy Bridge. Crews are actively building secondary barriers to halt further progression toward nearby timber stands and properties.


Current Operational Summary:

• Evacuated Areas: Nethy Bridge, Glenmore, Badaguish, Cairngorm Ski Area

• Air Operations: Helicopter water-bombing utilizing local loch sources

• Evacuation Centre: Macdonald Aviemore Resort

• Key Travel Closures: Access roads to Nethy Bridge and Glenmore corridor



Environmental Damage and Regional Smoke Impact

The fire has caused significant damage to portions of the sensitive Caledonian Forest ecosystem, home to rare pine species and native wildlife. Firefighting operations have drawn water directly from Loch Morlich and nearby water bodies to sustain high-volume pumps and aerial operations.

Due to the changing wind vectors, a dense plume of smoke has travelled far beyond the immediate valley floor. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and local councils have issued air quality advisories stretching across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Deeside, and reaching as far east as Aberdeen.


Multi-Agency Emergency Response

More than 50 firefighters, specialist wildfire response units, thermal drone operators, and aerial water-bombing crews are operating on the ground and in the air. They are supported by estate rangers, gamekeepers, and agricultural workers who have provided tractors, plows, and local terrain expertise to cut containment lines.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid traveling to or through the Cairngorms National Park to allow emergency vehicles unimpeded access to critical routes. Visitors are reminded that strict fire byelaws remain in force across the entire park, prohibiting all open campfires and outdoor barbecues.


Speyside / Aviemore


Aberdeenshire & Moray


Deeside & Aberdeen City