A wildfire in the Cairngorms “could take months” to fully extinguish because it has become so deep-seated.
Heavy machinery has been used at the north edge of the blaze to prevent further spread, particularly in both Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul.
Recent weather conditions have helped slow the fire which broke out nearly two weeks ago, but there are still many active pockets.
Sandy McCook, Nethy Bridge Community Council, told STV News: “There’s a huge amount of hotspots in particular areas, areas where there has been beautiful old-growth Caledonian pine forest which hasn’t been touched for centuries.
Cairngorms National Park“Of course there’s some older trees in there that the fire is deep-seated in”
The fire is estimated to have affected an area of around 25 sq km since it was first reported near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, on Wednesday, July 15.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said that improved weather conditions and a targeted effort to tackle the wildfire in key areas has resulted in a reduction in visible flames, but warned that smouldering areas and burning spots in the ground remain.
Around 70 firefighters remain on the scene with nine fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and Wildfire Tactical Advisors.
Firefighting is ongoing alongside partners and heavy machinery in the north and west of the incident, supported by helicopter waterbombing.
SFRS has said that a significant presence will remain in the area for some time to tackle the “complex and fluid incident”.
More than 500 firefighters and staff from partners and community volunteers have been actively involved in or supported the response since the fire broke.
Michael Humphreys, deputy assistant chief officer added: “The progress made over the past 24 hours has been encouraging; however we cannot afford to be complacent, and we remain fully committed to this incident with significant resources in attendance from ourselves and partners.
“The current plan is to take full advantage of the current conditions to go into key areas and aggressively tackle the burning and prevent further opportunities for the fire to spread.
“This includes active firefighting with water, beaters and waterbombing, but also the continued creation of firebreaks, which have been effective throughout the incident in preventing spread.
“This remains a complex and fluid incident, and we still anticipate that we will be in attendance for some time, alongside partners and volunteers from all agencies involved.”
“I would once again like to thank our firefighters and staff, partner agencies, volunteers and local communities for their continued support, resilience and cooperation throughout this prolonged incident.”
Members of the public, walkers, and visitors are urged to continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations.
Those living in the areas and affected by smoke, are advised to continue keeping windows and doors closed as a precaution. Anyone with health concerns should seek advice from NHS Highland.
The UK Government has offered military support to tackle the wildfire, following a request by Scotland’s justice secretary, Neil Gray.
Douglas Alexander, the Scottish secretary, said that specialist resources will be made available upon request, including Chinook helicopters for logistical and heavy-lift capacity and support from UK stand-by battalions.
However, John Swinney has since said the offer was not necessary.
Gray said on Monday that assurances have been given that the emergency services have “all resources necessary” throughout the wildfire incident.
The First Minister said the Scottish Government had requested aerial support to drop water on the fire, but was told that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) did not have such equipment.
A major incident was declared by Police Scotland on Friday as a result of a change in weather conditions, which caused an immediate risk to the Nethy Bridge community.
Residents were forced to evacuate to a respite centre at the MacDonald Aviemore Resort, and access roads into Nethy Bridge were closed.
The major incident was stood down on Saturday, and residents were able to return home.
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