Hillside engulfed in flames as Cairngorms wildfire rages after 'flare-up'

Key Points

11 appliances on scene of Cairngorms wildfire after ‘major flare-up’
Gamekeepers stood down as strong winds making scene ‘too dangerous’
Residents more than 20 miles away ‘smelling and seeing smoke’
More than 100 firefighters mobilised since wildfire broke out nine days ago
‘Intensive firefighting efforts’ on land and air needed at hotspots amid difficult terrain
Crews receiving reports of people still trying to access closed off areas

A wildfire, which has ravaged the Cairngorms for nine days, continues to rage following a “major flare-up” with more firefighters sent to the scene.

Smoke was spotted billowing from the hillside in Abernethy late on Thursday afternoon, and local residents have reported that conditions “deteriorated” overnight due to a change in wind direction.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews from eleven appliances remain on the scene in Glenmore on Friday, including a command Support Unit, and wildfire units.

It is understood that gamekeepers fighting the fire were stood down because the situation was considered “too dangerous” with strong winds fanning the flames.

People in the Ballater area of west Aberdeenshire reported smelling the smoke from over 20 miles away.

Residents have been urged to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Smoke billows from the hillside after change in wind direction STV News

The Cairngorms National Park authority said it was aware of more visible smoke on the scene of the wildfire in Glenmore.

“Changes in wind strength and direction can cause flare-ups, and fire crews continue to work with partners to deal with these and extinguish and dampen down hot spots,” a spokesperson said.

“We ask that you continue to avoid the Glenmore, Abernethy and Loch Morlich area and allow the people fighting the fire to do their jobs.”

‘Intensive firefighting’ still required on land and in air

Crews have maintained a significant presence at the scene since they were first called on Wednesday, July 15.

Helicopters, landowners, and estate workers on the ground have assisted crews in targeting hotspots in difficult-to-access locations.

More than 100 firefighters have been mobilised to the incident alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles and partner agencies.

On Thursday, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said significant progress has been made in tackling the fire, but that hotspots continue to require intensive firefighting efforts on land and in the air.

Emergency services are urging walkers, visitors and members of the public to stay away from areas affected by the ongoing wildfire SFRS

He added on Friday: “Our crews remain at the scene of the wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park.

“Progress is being made; however, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly.

“The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.

“Wind changes often cause smoke to change direction and cause flare-ups. Our wildfire tactical advisors are continually monitoring conditions and the scene.

“We continue to remain in attendance along with partners, to extinguish and dampen down hot spots. We ask the public to read our safety advice and to stay away from the area.”

Closed and restricted areas include:

Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy or Bynack More.
Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy also remain closed.

Despite road closures, signage and police cordons being in place, emergency services say they continue to receive reports of people attempting to enter the affected area.

‘The fire is blowing’

Abernethy Community Council leader Sandy McCook warned the blaze is now threatening areas that had so far escaped the fire.

“The fire is blowing into Strathnethy, covering ground and also endangering areas that haven’t been burnt,” he told STV News.

“It was considered to be well out in Abernethy this morning, but we’ve had a wind change in direction this afternoon. The wind has turned much further round to the west.”

He said RSPB Scotland and local estate teams were once again working to tackle the wildfire, more than a week after it first broke out near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge.

Sandy, who was among the representatives who met with First Minister John Swinney at Glenmore on Tuesday, said continued helicopter support was crucial to preventing further flare-ups.

Helicopters were used to 'water bomb' fire-ravaged woodland — Helicopters were used to ‘water bomb’ fire-ravaged woodland STV News

“We need full aerial support and we also need a lot of rain this summer,” he added.

“People are exhausted. Everyone’s been fighting it 24 hours a day since last Wednesday. The last thing they need is for us to be back to square one.

“My sympathies are with them.”

The flare-up comes as a very high wildfire risk warning remains in place across much of Scotland.

The warning for the Central Highlands, Southern Scotland and Eastern Scotland has been extended until Friday after initially being introduced for five days.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for an update.