The cordon around parts of the Cairngorms wildfire incident is set to be reduced as emergency services continue to make steady progress in bringing the fire under control.
Multi agency partners have confirmed plans are being finalised for a phased reduction of some cordons in the Glenmore area, allowing limited access while keeping public safety at the forefront of the recovery operation.
From Tuesday, 4 August, people working at the Refuel event at Badaguish, together with those staying on the event site, will be permitted through the existing road checkpoint at Coylumbridge.
Access will be limited to those able to provide proof of site access or a valid event ticket and will extend only as far as Badaguish, where an incident cordon will remain in place.
The move follows a reduction in the incident cordon by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and forms part of a carefully managed reopening of the area.
Emergency responders stressed that Glenmore Forest and the Loch Morlich area remain closed to the public.
Firefighting operations continue across the incident ground, with heavy machinery, helicopter operations, unstable trees and ongoing tree removal work still presenting significant risks.
Good progress is, however, continuing to be made as crews work to extinguish remaining hotspots and deep seated fires.
Highland Council has prepared a traffic management plan to support the Refuel event, while Forestry and Land Scotland has developed a public access management plan for the surrounding forest.
Both plans will be reviewed regularly as the incident develops.
As further cordons are reduced, clear signage will be introduced to guide visitors through accessible areas while preventing entry into locations that remain unsafe.
Further information on wider public access and arrangements for local businesses is expected later this week.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances and around 30 firefighters working on the incident alongside partner agencies and helicopter support.
Crews continue to use heavy machinery to clear damaged trees and dig trenches through peat to prevent underground fire spread.
Meanwhile, Highland Council is continuing to host drop in sessions for residents and businesses affected by the wildfire, helping people access information and support as the recovery effort moves into its next phase.
