Smoke from the major wildfire burning in the Cairngorms National Park is expected to spread across a much wider area today and into the weekend as firefighters continue efforts to bring the blaze under control.
People living in eastern Aviemore, Nethy Bridge and parts of Aberdeenshire, including Inverurie, Banchory, Kintore and Aberdeen, are being warned they may see or smell smoke as changing weather conditions carry it across the region.
Emergency services are advising anyone affected by the smoke to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.
The wildfire remains highly unpredictable, with shifting wind direction and strength causing flare ups, reignition and changing smoke patterns that continue to challenge crews on the ground.
Firefighters are currently concentrating on a fire front that has spread into a large area of heather to the east of Ryvoan Bothy and is continuing to move eastwards.
The fire is producing significant volumes of smoke, reducing visibility around Nethy Bridge and remaining visible from a considerable distance, including along sections of the A9.
Firefighting operations are continuing across the vast and difficult terrain, supported by helicopter water bombing, specialist wildfire teams and the creation of fire breaks designed to slow the spread of the flames.
Six fire appliances, a Command Support Unit, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies remain deployed as crews work to extinguish hot spots and prevent further expansion of the fire.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Our crews and specialist resources remain at the scene of the wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.
“Progress is being made; however, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
“The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.
“Wind changes often cause flare ups, fire spread, and smoke to change direction, as we are witnessing today and over the past 24 hours.
“Our wildfire tactical advisors are continually monitoring conditions.
“We remain in attendance along with partner agencies to dampen down hot spots and prevent further fire spread, supported by ongoing helicopter water bombing operations.
“This incident has been appropriately and proportionately resourced throughout in line with the ongoing assessment of our experienced incident commanders.
“Our advice remains that members of the public should avoid the areas affected as firefighting operations continue.”
Authorities are continuing to urge people to stay away from affected parts of the Cairngorms National Park while emergency services work to contain the wildfire and assess conditions, warning that the situation can change quickly as weather conditions evolve.
