Rain has brought much-needed relief to firefighters battling a wildfire in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, offering hope for the containment of lingering hotspots.
Days of dry and windy conditions had intensified the challenge for crews and volunteers working to extinguish flames that have been burning across peatland moors and woodland. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported a reduction in visible flames by Monday evening, though large areas remained smoldering, particularly deep within the peat soil.
Residents in Nethy Bridge expressed hope that the changing weather would assist in efforts to tackle the remaining pockets of fire. Overnight and continuing rain on Tuesday is expected to make a significant difference in firefighting operations. The distinct smell of smoke in the air is now attributed to the rain and lack of wind, according to reports.
Helicopters, provided and funded by Forestry and Land Scotland, were anticipated to continue water bombing operations on Tuesday. These efforts were to be supported by drones equipped with thermal cameras, used to detect areas of intense heat.
The wildfire ignited near the village of Glenmore, outside Aviemore, on July 15. The incident led to the evacuation of residents and nearby campsites. At its peak, over 500 firefighters were involved in the response, and Police Scotland declared it a "major incident" on Friday.