The immediate threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced after winds changed direction overnight, but residents have been told not to return home as firefighters continue battling the major wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room reconvened at 7am on Saturday to review the latest situation after Police Scotland declared a major incident and ordered the precautionary evacuation of the village on Friday.
First Minister John Swinney chaired the meeting, which was attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other emergency partners.
A fire break was successfully established around Nethy Bridge overnight to help protect the village, while further fire breaks are now being created and additional firefighting resources have been deployed.
Although the change in wind direction has reduced the immediate threat to Nethy Bridge, emergency services stress the situation remains highly unpredictable.
The First Minister said:
“This continues to be a very serious situation.
“Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried.
“My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.
“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village.
“Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.
“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least.
“Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.
“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire.
“It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they been given the go ahead to do so.
“Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Group will also reconvene.
“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents.
“I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park.
“It is essential people avoid the affected areas.”
Emergency services will continue monitoring conditions throughout the day before any decision is made on when residents can safely return to Nethy Bridge.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the affected parts of the Cairngorms National Park while firefighting operations remain under way.
