Wildfire response to continue in coming days amid encouraging progress – police

The emergency response to the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park will continue in the coming days, while there have been “encouraging” signs in tackling the blaze, police have said.

The wildfire, which broke out near the village of Glenmore on Wednesday last week, led to residents and campsites being evacuated.

However, firefighters and others involved in containing the wildfire said it had been “largely surrounded” at the weekend.

The fire covered an area of around six square kilometres of heather and small trees at its height.

An exclusion zones remains in place and Police Scotland have warned walkers to avoid the affected area.

Chief Inspector Scott Robertson of Police Scotland’s Highland and Islands Division said: “While we are pleased to hear there has been encouraging signs across the affected aera, this remains an ongoing emergency response and is likely to continue over the coming days.

“The area around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Abernethy remains closed to visitors, including walkers and, as public safety is a priority, we urge people to stay away from these areas.

“I also want to pass on my thanks to the local community, on behalf of all partners involved, for their support to the response effort with offers of help and providing food.”