Fire crews have been working to put out the fire since last Wednesday, and hot spots remain at a wildfire which has burned across 10 square kilometres of land in the Cairngorms over the last week, according to the fire service. More than 100 firefighters have been involved in the operation to control and extinguish the fire, which started near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, last Wednesday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday that they had "surrounded" the large-scale blaze.
However, they say "significant hotspots remain across a large and complex landscape" and crews will stay at the scene until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.
Fire crews will remain at the scene until it is safe
Assistant chief officer Jon Henderson said:
"Crews have worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, including steep and often inaccessible terrain, supported by a robust tactical plan.
"Their efforts have involved working with landowners and partner agencies to establish and maintain fire breaks to contain the spread of fire, limiting further damage and protecting surrounding infrastructure.
"Although we have made substantial progress, this remains a live operational incident and firefighters will remain in attendance until the area is safe.
"We continue to ask the public to avoid the area, respect all road closures and cordons, and follow the advice of emergency services at all times."
A strict cordon remains in place and there is currently no public access for vehicles or walkers to Glenmore Forest Park or Loch Morlich. Homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been evacuated as a safety precaution.
A "very high risk" wildfire warning remains in place across the central Highlands, eastern and southern Scotland until Friday.
Assistant chief officer Henderson added:
"The conditions which contribute to wildfires remain present across large parts of Scotland.
"We urge everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and do everything possible to reduce the risk of fire.
"Please do not light campfires, use disposable barbecues or have any naked flames near dry vegetation. It only takes a small spark to start a wildfire that can spread rapidly and have a significant impact on communities, wildlife and the environment."
First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to the people tackling the wildfire in the Cairngorms during a visit to the scene.
He said:
"That's been a combined effort led by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, but involving land managers in the locality, involving organisations like the RSPB and the Cairngorms National Park and also Forestry and Land Scotland.
"It's got to be a combined effort to make sure that we have the skills, the expertise and the resources to make sure such circumstances can be tackled and the great natural beauty of Scotland protected."
What is the current situation at the wildfire?
Hot spots remain at the wildfire in the Cairngorms after more than a week of firefighting, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says the blaze has been surrounded. Crews will stay at the scene until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.
How large is the area affected?
The wildfire has burned across 10 square kilometres of land in the Cairngorms, and significant hotspots remain across a large and complex landscape.
What restrictions are in place for the public?
A strict cordon remains in place, and there is currently no public access for vehicles or walkers to Glenmore Forest Park or Loch Morlich. The public is being asked to avoid the area, respect all road closures and cordons, and follow the advice of emergency services at all times.
What has been evacuated?
Homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been evacuated as a safety precaution.
What fire risk warning remains in place?
A "very high risk" wildfire warning remains in place across the central Highlands, eastern and southern Scotland until Friday.
Who has been involved in the response?
More than 100 firefighters have been involved in the operation, along with landowners and partner agencies. First Minister John Swinney said the response involved the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, land managers in the locality, the RSPB, the Cairngorms National Park and Forestry and Land Scotland.
What advice has the fire service given?
The fire service says the conditions which contribute to wildfires remain present across large parts of Scotland and is urging people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
It says people should not light campfires, use disposable barbecues or have any naked flames near dry vegetation, because even a small spark can start a wildfire that spreads rapidly and affects communities, wildlife and the environment.
Key Facts
- The fire started near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, last Wednesday.
- More than 100 firefighters have been involved.
- The wildfire has burned across 10 square kilometres of land in the Cairngorms.
- No public access is currently allowed for vehicles or walkers to Glenmore Forest Park or Loch Morlich.
- A very high risk wildfire warning remains in place until Friday across the central Highlands, eastern and southern Scotland.
