Public urged to heed warnings as wildfire hits Cairngorms

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has urged the public to follow emergency warnings as firefighters tackle a large wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has deployed four fire appliances and specialist wildfire resources to the area, north east of Glenmore, after being alerted at 11.49am this morning.

Residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and surrounding communities have been advised to keep windows and doors closed because of large volumes of smoke. Visitors and hillwalkers are also being asked to avoid the affected area while firefighting operations continue.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland & Strategic Projects at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This is clearly a serious and fast-moving incident, and we urge everyone in the area to follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“Members of the public should stay away from the affected area, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and close windows and doors if they can see or smell smoke.

“We encourage landowners and land managers in the vicinity of the incident to take precautionary measures - including the readying of specialist equipment used for fire containment and suppression.

The incident comes following the issuing of a Wildfire Danger Assessment which warned of a ‘very high’ wildfire risk until 20 July across the central highlands, eastern and southern Scotland. 

Mr Ewing continued: “These are extremely challenging conditions, and our heartfelt thanks go to the firefighters and those supporting them who are working to protect local communities, wildlife and the landscape.”