Firefighters have made positive progress in tackling the major wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park, but emergency services have warned the incident remains serious and residents must continue to stay away from affected areas.
Police Scotland confirmed the major incident remains in place as a multi agency response continues across the fire ground, with no immediate plans for further evacuations.
All properties in Nethy Bridge remain evacuated, while a small number of properties north west of Dorback Lodge at Lain Thatchan have also been evacuated as a precaution.
Residents affected by the evacuation are being supported at the designated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort or have made alternative arrangements.
Police say there are currently no plans for further evacuations, although contingency plans are in place should conditions change.
People living in areas affected by smoke, including parts of Moray and Aberdeenshire, are being advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Superintendent Judy Hill said:
“The situation in the Cairngorms National Park continues to present challenges to the emergency services.
“The wind has abated slightly compared to yesterday, but there remains a risk to the area of Nethy Bridge.
“Additional resources were deployed to the area and police have spoken to residents at every property in the exclusion zone.
“Some people attended the designated respite centre while others have made alternative arrangements.
“Those directly affected are being updated regarding when they may be able to return to their homes.
“I understand this remains a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region.
“Please be assured that the multi agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.
“I would encourage people to turn to official sources for advice and information.”
First Minister John Swinney later chaired a further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room after receiving updated briefings from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Highland Council and other partners.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported positive progress in containing the blaze while continuing preventative work to stop it spreading further, with helicopter operations focused on the areas where they can have the greatest impact.
The First Minister said:
“The latest update I received on the situation in the Cairngorms shows an improved picture, however, as we have already seen, events can change very quickly due to the weather conditions.
“I would like to again thank the fire service, police and local partners for their efforts.
“This remains a major and serious incident, so it is still extremely important that people follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park.
“It is essential people avoid the affected areas for safety reasons and to allow responders to focus on tackling the wildfire.
“A request has been made today to the UK Government for military assistance in aerial support that can be used to supplement existing resources that are being deployed to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire and we await a response.”
Emergency services continue to urge the public to avoid the affected areas around Glenmore, Loch Morlich, Badaguish and Abernethy Forest while firefighting operations remain under way.
