John Swinney has warned the Cairngorms wildfire remains a ‘very serious situation’ as evacuations in the area continue. The First Minister was speaking after the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) was reconvened on Saturday morning at 7am to review the position on the wildfire.
Emergency services confirmed nine fire appliances remain at the scene, supported by specialist wildfire resources. Police Scotland declared the fire as a major incident on Friday night and evacuated homes around Nethy Bridge as a precaution after changes in wind conditions accelerated the spread of the wildfire.
The Scottish Government said a fire break around the village was established overnight, and new breaks are being constructed as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deploys additional resources.
Police also said more residents were evacuated in a small area of properties north-west of Dorback Lodge (Lain Thatchan) on Saturday morning as a precaution.
A smoke advisory is also in place for Tomintoul, where residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke from the wildfire.
“If you are affected by smoke, stay indoors where possible, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity,” Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said.
The SFRS has also requested more heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, to help with the response.
“Operators who can provide suitable plant machinery to support the ongoing multi-agency response are asked to report to the Village Hall in Nethy Bridge,” SFRS said.
“This continues to be a very serious situation,” The First Minister said, after the SGoRR meeting. “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.
View 3 ImagesWildfire burning in the Cairngorms National Park in northeast Scotland.
“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.”
The First Minister said such situations can change “very quickly and dramatically”, reflecting the challenges faced by SFRS and the other responders.
“It does not mean, however, that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so,” Mr Swinney said. “Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Group will also reconvene.”
The First Minister said he was “extremely grateful” to the emergency services and all those involved in tackling the fire.
He reiterated 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,” Mr Swinney said.
The Scottish Government’s response meeting was attended by several ministers and representatives from emergency services, including SFRS and Police Scotland.
View 3 ImagesResidents have been evacuated from their homes(Image: Peter Jolly)
More than 500 firefighters have tackled the blaze over the last 10 days, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.
The fire, which broke out near the village of Glenmore on Wednesday last week has so far covered about six square kilometres of heather and small trees at its height.
Evacuated residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Members of the public are asked to avoid affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park. SFRS said the area remains unsafe due to firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.
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