Scotland's reliance on private helicopter firms to combat wildfires must cease to prevent future "mega blazes," land managers have warned Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. The call comes after a significant wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park, which broke out last Wednesday and burned for days, saw helicopters arrive more than 24 hours after the initial report.
By Tuesday, the blaze had ravaged approximately 10 square kilometers of the Abernethy National Nature Reserve. Fire crews continued to battle remaining hotspots, with officials noting the crucial nature of the initial response. "Fires are often won or lost literally on day one," said Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland and Strategic Projects at Scottish Land & Estates, which represents rural landowners.
Ewing expressed frustration, noting that the situation was exacerbated by the delayed arrival of aerial support. "The issue was, at day two, the fire was pretty big. The helicopters were very helpful but if they were available more quickly, maybe more significant progress could have been made," he stated. He emphasized the urgent need for "independent aerial capability to tackle wildfire in Scotland" rather than depending on private companies that may be contracted for other work.
Scottish Land & Estates voiced concerns that had weather conditions not been favorable over the weekend, the fire could have spread significantly further, potentially reaching the Marr Lodge Estate, nearly 20 miles away. Such an event would have been "utterly catastrophic," Ewing warned.
Sandy Bremner, Cairngorms National Park board convenor, echoed these sentiments, stressing the "vital importance of immediate access to fire-fighting aircraft to supplement the incredible efforts on the ground in hard-to-reach areas, preventing small outbreaks having catastrophic consequences."
The Cairngorms area is a habitat for over 5,000 species of animals and plants, raising fears about potential ecological damage from the prolonged fire.
First Minister John Swinney visited the fire-affected area, meeting with rural representatives, firefighters, and community leaders, including Deputy Assistant Fire Chief Kenny Barbour. Swinney acknowledged the importance of aerial support and stated that the Scottish Government would consider the calls for a dedicated air service for wildfire response. "Obviously aerial support has been fundamental to trying to extinguish this fire and we have to make it possible for that to be readily available in such circumstances," he told STV.
While those evacuated have since returned to their homes, a cordon remains in place around Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich as firefighting efforts continue. A "very high risk" warning for wildfires has been extended across Central Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland until Friday.