A significant wildfire in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park is continuing to burn, with locals expressing fears that dry conditions will allow the blaze to persist for days. The fire, which began late Wednesday morning on heathland at Ryvoan Bothy near Nethy Bridge, has already consumed more than a square mile of land.
Firefighters are entering their fifth consecutive day tackling the inferno, which has ravaged large areas of the landscape. The danger posed by the fire necessitated the evacuation of homes and businesses as a precautionary measure. Residents are concerned about the coming days, as forecasts predict continued "tinderbox conditions."
On Thursday, more than 50 firefighters remained deployed, supported by two helicopters, nine appliances, and specialized equipment. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Efforts to combat the flames include the use of a high volume pump to draw water from Loch Morlich and the establishment of firebreaks with the assistance of landowners and other agencies.
Sandy McCook, chairman of the Nethy Bridge and Vicinity Community Council, credited the wind direction for preventing the fire from reaching populated areas. He noted that a shift in wind from the northeast to the northwest on Wednesday protected the village, which is known as "The Forest Village."
McCook also disputed earlier statements from Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who had described the fire as "currently contained" on Thursday. "It is not contained. It is still burning, as we speak," McCook stated, adding that the deployment of a helicopter earlier could have extinguished the fire within hours. With no rain forecast on the horizon and warm, dry weather expected to continue into next week, concerns extend beyond the immediate days to the remainder of the summer.
Forecasters indicate that a low-pressure system west of the UK will shield Scotland from Atlantic wind and rain, maintaining dry conditions in the Cairngorm area until at least Saturday.
Jon Henderson, SFRS assistant chief officer, described the conditions as "dangerous and unpredictable" due to the mountainous and often inaccessible terrain. He anticipates the response will continue over the weekend and into the following week.
A strict cordon remains in place, prohibiting access to Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich to ensure public safety and support firefighting operations. Area Commander Lynne Gow characterized the incident as "complex and protracted," requiring "significant resources" and "aggressive operations across two sectors to contain and suppress the fire."
In parallel, a recent report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency highlights the country's drying conditions due to summer heat. Approximately 300 hectares of land have been burned so far, according to the RSPB. Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has confirmed that ministers are receiving regular updates on the situation.