Firefighters are still tackling a wildfire which is continuing to spread in the Cairngorms.
The inferno started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and stretched more than 3.5km wide by Thursday morning.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution.
Smoke could be seen for miles around the site of the fire on Thursday morning, as at least four fire engines and other resources were tackling the blaze.
The Record will keep you updated with all the developments in this live blog.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostToday19:03 BST
A senior-ranking firefighter has insisted the service has “adequate resources” to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire.
PA reports Lynne Gow, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) area commander based in the Highlands, said she is “absolutely certain” of the force’s plan to tackle the blaze, which is almost four miles in size and has been burning for more than 24 hours.
At a press conference on Thursday, Ms Gow was asked if she agreed with Health Secretary Neil Gray’s previous comments that the service has enough resources to fight the fire.
She said: “I would agree that we have adequate resources. We’re absolutely certain of our practical plan here.”
The RSPB, which runs the nearby Loch Garten nature reserve in the Scottish Highlands, previously said there is an “urgent” need for a firefighting helicopter.
Ms Gow responded to this, stating: “If helicopters are not available, we have direct and indirect means to fighting fire, and that’s what we’re deploying.”
She said: “A helicopter is not always the best resource for the reasons I’ve cited.
“It can also be a hazard for us, but it definitely provides a lot of area support.
“So, if our tactics are to use area support, then that would be the most appropriate way of dealing with it.”
John-Paul ClarkToday18:17 BST
Emergency services continue to tackle a major wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy in the Cairngorms National Park, with a multi-agency response ongoing.
The fire was reported at around 11.50am on Wednesday, July 15, and crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene.
Police Scotland is coordinating the response alongside partner agencies. A number of homes and other premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.
The C7, known locally as the Ski Road, remains closed at Coylumbridge and motorists are being urged to avoid the area.
Anyone planning to travel to the area over the coming days is advised to check with their accommodation provider before setting off to confirm it remains accessible.
Officers have helped walkers off the hill and are urging anyone still in the area to continue making their way to safety. Anyone requiring emergency assistance should call 999, and walkers are encouraged to let family or friends know once they have returned safely.
Care for People plans have been activated, with partner agencies contacting vulnerable residents in the affected area.
Residents nearby are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek advice from NHS 24.
Police have also reminded the public that drones must not be flown near the incident. Flying an unmanned aircraft over an active emergency response without permission is an offence and can put lives at risk. Pilots are urged to check airspace restrictions before flying.
Gemma RyderToday17:43 BST
A community council leader in the Cairngorms has said lessons have not been learned from a “devastating” previous wildfire in the area, as a near four-mile long stretch of the countryside went up in flames.
Sandy McCook, chairman of the Nethy Bridge and vicinity community council, said the situation was “very concerning” and claimed there was a lack of resources to deal with the fire.
He spoke to the Press Association on Thursday as firecrews remained at the scene of the wildfire. The fire broke out at lunchtime on Wednesday and is now affecting a 3.7-mile wide area of heather and trees.
Mr McCook said: “It is very, very concerning, the whole thing. While at the moment Nethy is upwind of it, and the smoke is being blown away from the village and the forest, if the wind was to change and if the fire was to change direction, it could be back into the forest.
“And as you see, we’ve got thousands of acres of prime Caledonian pine forest. The mind boggles just at the consequences of it.”
Mr McCook said the lessons learned from the “devastating” wildfires in Dava last year “haven’t been put into practice”. He said: “We are seeing exactly the same situation.”
Mr McCook has called for the development of a national fire facility to help respond to wildfires, like the one burning in the Cairngorms, more quickly.
“We need a national facility for situations like this, where there’s always something (available),” he said. “If a helicopter had been here and available within, let’s say, an hour of the fire starting yesterday, the fire could have been out a couple of hours after it started, but now here we are, and it’s 24 hours since it started, and it’s still spreading.”
Ewan Mowat
Today17:01 BST
The Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who has responsibility for resilience within his portfolio, said the decision to evacuate campsites and other properties nearby had been taken as a precaution.
He said: “This wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park is currently contained thanks to the exceptional work of firefighters who have been on the scene since Wednesday morning.
“Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure.
“I want to thank the firefighters, police, land managers, volunteers and all partners who are doing an outstanding job keeping people, property and the natural environment as safe as possible.
“The Scottish Government continues to monitor the situation closely and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed they have adequate resources committed to this incident.”
The RSPB said approximately 300 hectares of land have been burnt so far.
The charity said 27 of its staff and volunteers were out helping fight the blaze on Wednesday, using equipment including all-terrain vehicles with water bowsers, backpack hoses and shovels.
It added that there is currently no helicopter support available for fighting the blaze, saying it believes they have all been deployed to wildfires south of the border.
Some locals expressed concerns that tourists were still trying to access the area despite road closures being in place.
One local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The absolute selfishness of tourists – isn’t that insane?
“`There’s a fire but we still want to go to Loch Morlich’ – I think it’s just ignorance.”
She added: “It’s like going to somewhere in America during tornado season.
“You know what you’re getting into.”
John-Paul ClarkToday16:56 BST
A community council leader in the Cairngorms has said lessons have not been learned from a “devastating” previous wildfire in the area, as a near four-mile long stretch of the countryside went up in flames.
Sandy McCook, chairman of the Nethy Bridge and vicinity community council, said the situation was “very concerning” and claimed there was a lack of resources to deal with the fire.
He spoke to the Press Association on Thursday as firecrews remained at the scene of the wildfire.
The fire broke out at lunchtime on Wednesday and is now affecting a 3.7-mile wide area of heather and trees.
Mr McCook said: “It is very, very concerning, the whole thing.
“While at the moment Nethy is upwind of it, and the smoke is being blown away from the village and the forest, if the wind was to change and if the fire was to change direction, it could be back into the forest.
“And as you see, we’ve got thousands of acres of prime Caledonian pine forest.
“The mind boggles just at the consequences of it.”
A strict cordon remains in place and people have been warned not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing.The fire near Glenmore has come one year after widespread wildfires hit the Carrbridge and Dava areas of northern Scotland in June and early July.
When combined, the fires became the largest such event in Scotland’s history, burning more than 11,000 hectares of moorland and forestry.
Mr McCook said the lessons learned from the “devastating” wildfires in Dava last year “haven’t been put into practice”.
He said: “We are seeing exactly the same situation.”
Mr McCook has called for the development of a national fire facility to help respond to wildfires, like the one burning in the Cairngorms, more quickly.
“We need a national facility for situations like this, where there’s always something (available),” he said.
“If a helicopter had been here and available within, let’s say, an hour of the fire starting yesterday, the fire could have been out a couple of hours after it started, but now here we are, and it’s 24 hours since it started, and it’s still spreading.”
He added: “The fire service is understaffed, under-resourced, with not enough equipment that we need to have facility to get helicopters in much earlier.
“So, my answer to the politicians, those in power, would be listen to the local people in Nethy Bridge, Abernethy, Glenmore, and other areas of the Highlands that have been badly hit by fire.
“Listen to what they say, not to what your so-called advisers or your other fellow politicians say. Listen to local common sense.”
The Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray has said the fire service “has confirmed they have adequate resources committed to this incident”.
John-Paul ClarkToday15:05 BST
The wildfire is currently affecting a 6km-wide area (3.7 miles) of heather and trees according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Four appliances and a specialist wildfire unit remain at the scene of the fire near Glenmore, where crews are fighting a blaze measuring around two to three feet in length.
The fire service said it is burning through 10-inch heather and small trees and continuing at a “steady pace”.
A strict cordon remains in place and people have been warned not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing.
Residents in Aviemore and surrounding areas are asked to close windows and doors to prevent smoke entering.
Stephen Bark
Today14:33 BST
In their latest update, the Cairngorms National Park Authority have said that thermal drones have been used to support efforts to fight the wildfire.
The national park said the wildfire has grown to cover an area of 6km as firefighters battle to bring it under control.
A strick cordon remains in place at Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich and the surrounding area and members of the public are being urged to avoid the area.
Posting on social media, Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy. The emergency response is being coordinated at a national level involving the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Park Authority and multiple other partners.
“Thermal drone footage captured by Park Authority staff last night has helped inform fire fighting efforts and highlight the scale of the fire, but the extent of the damage and the cause is not yet known.
“Overnight emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff were on the scene working tirelessly to control the fire. We are deeply grateful for their efforts, and those of the businesses and local community providing support to those affected.
“We will provide further updates when we have them.”
Thermal drones were used to help tackle the fire over night.(Image: Cairngorms National Park Authority)
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Emergency services continue to respond to a six-kilometre wildfire near Glenmore in the Cairngorms National Park, and we are urging the public to stay away from the area.
“Four fire appliances, a specialist wildfire unit and an additional 4×4 vehicle remain at the scene today, Thursday, July 16, as crews continue to respond to the incident.
“A strict cordon remains in place, and road closures continue to support the emergency response. People must not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing.
“Firefighters worked overnight to protect nearby homes, businesses and the surrounding area. This includes creating firebreaks alongside landowners and partner agencies to contain spread and protect infrastructure. RSPB rangers are also supporting the response, including using a drone to monitor the incident.
“A number of properties and visitor centres remain evacuated as a safety precaution due to their proximity to the wildfire. Any additional evacuation measures will continue to be assessed as the incident progresses and in line with changing conditions. If asked to evacuate, members of the public and local residents should do so immediately.
“Evacuation decisions are taken only where there is genuine risk to public safety.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin said: “This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions. I would also like to thank our partner agencies, landowners and local organisations whose support has been invaluable throughout this response.
“The safety of our communities remains our priority, and we will continue to assess the need for any further evacuations alongside multi-agency partners as the incident progresses.
“The wildfire risk across Scotland remains high. We are asking everyone to follow the advice in place, stay away from the affected area and help reduce the risk of further wildfires while our crews continue their work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
A huge scar has been burnt into the landscape as a result of the fire.(Image: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service)
The latest fire map from fire tracking site FireMap.live shows the extent of the fire. Red dots indicate more recent hotspots while yellow dots represent hotspots from yesterday.
Stephen Bark
Today13:53 BST
With the fire affecting a large area of land which forms part of the RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve, the charity has shared an update on the social media.
The fire has grown to cover 400 hectares of the reserve with firefighters working alongside RSPB staff to bring it under control.
In their update, the RSPB said: “We are very grateful for the help and support of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other partners including many local estates and landowners who are providing vital help on the ground.
“We urge everyone to follow the advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to avoid affected areas while this large fire is tackled.”
Firefighters tackle the wildfire affecting the Cairngorms.(Image: RSPB)
An orange glow could be seen above the mountains last night.(Image: RSPB)
Smoke raises above the mountain as the wildfire continues to burn.(Image: RSPB)
Mountain bikers had been out camping last night with 57North Adventures before Police Scotland visited the campsite at around 10pm to evacuate them while the fire raged on.
Posting on Facebook after the evacuation, 57North said: “Being prepared for any eventuality we had expedition hike tents with us, so grabbing them and the riders kit we left site for an extra adventure! Craig’s experience took us to a great wild camp spot and we were all set up and riders in bed by 11:30pm.
“Thanks to Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and everyone involved with tackling the wild fire and making sure everyone is safe.”
Smoke raises high into the sky as the fire rages on across the forest from the campsite.(Image: 57North Adventures)
The wildfire is now restricting areas of the A9.
As the inferno continues, reports have been received of smoke blowing onto the carriageway around Dalnaspidal.
The road has now closed one lane, with traffic driving slowly.
Traffic Scotland have advised drivers to use hazard lights and take extra care.
Stephen Bark
Today13:17 BST
Scotland is still set to face high temperatures next week as the heatwave is set to cool across other areas in the UK.
The Met Office anticipates peak temperatures of 30C or 31C through the remainder of the week, before a marked drop on Sunday (July 19), when highs of 25C are expected in southern England and 22C across northern regions, including Scotland.
Conditions will stay “dry and settled” into the weekend, according to the Met Office.
SFRS wildfire tactical advisor Kevin Dingwall, said: “Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfire across Scotland.”
Areas around Inverness, including Elgin, are expected to reach highs of 27C next weekend.
Meanwhile, the central belt is expected to hit highs of 25C, with both Edinburgh and Glasgow heating back up. Parts of the Scottish borders could reach as high as 28C.
Billy GaddiToday13:12 BST
Parts of Scotland are at very high risk of wildfire over the next few days, with fire crews warning people to “stay vigilant” and act responsibly.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued warnings for the central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland.
The alert, which has been released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, is in force from Wednesday, July 15, until Monday, July 20.
It follows several days of hot and dry weather in many parts of the country.
SFRS wildfire tactical advisor Kevin Dingwall, said: “We know many people will want to enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re spending time outdoors, please do so responsibly and take simple steps to prevent fires from starting.
“Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfire across Scotland. Even if a warning is not in place where you live, we ask everyone to stay vigilant.”
Billy GaddiToday13:10 BST
Nasa satellite data has picked up heat from the wildfires in the Cairngorms National Park.
Nasa’s Fire Information for Resource Management Systems uses satellites to detect heat signatures on the Earth’s surface.
Data from the site shows that a fire was first detected at 12:47 yesterday about 250m (820ft) south of a trail to the east of Loch Morlich, reports the BBC.
The most recent information from Firms shows heat signatures were still being detected at 03:19 this morning.
Red rectangles in this satellite image represent where Nasa’s FIRMS satellites have picked up heat signatures in the Cairngorms(Image: Nasa Firms)
Today12:59 BST
The fire at Cairngorms National Park has burned through around 300 hectares and helicopter support is needed urgently to help tackle it, RSPB Scotland have said.
The fire broke out at the boundary of the Loch Garten nature reserve, which is managed by the charity.
A total of 27 staff and volunteers from RSPB Scotland are working to help contain the fire, using quad bikes, backpack hoses, pumps, leaf blowers, fire beaters and shovels to dig out smouldering areas.
A spokesman said: “We have no helicopter support, as we believe they are all deployed to England and Wales fighting wildfires down there.
“This is critical and we need it urgently to bring the fire under control.”
Ryan CarrollToday12:59 BST
Firefighters worked through the night tackling the wildfire in the Cairngorms, which stretched 3.5km wide by this morning.
Fire crews battled the blaze overnight and four fire engines remained at the scene at 6.45am on Thursday.
Ian McMeekin, head of prevention at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said they expect to be at the scene for the rest of the day.
He told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme: “We’re still fighting the fire, working with a range of different partners, with the landowners and local authorities and so on to deal with the incident. Currently we have a fire front of just roughly about three and a half kilometres wide.
“We are reassessing situation, and our resources may change throughout the morning.
He added: “This is very much a multi-agency situation. As a precautionary measure some of the areas have been evacuated, including a campsite and some properties in close proximity.
“We have been working with our local resilience partners to make sure they try and support people where possible, and we’re advising people to keep an eye out for key messages coming from the partners, whether through Police Scotland or other trusted local media outlets.”
READ MORE: Cairngorms wildfire spreads 3.5km wide as crews work through night tackling blaze
Ryan CarrollToday12:59 BST
Residents in the Highlands were evacuated after the huge wildfire broke out at Cairngorms National Park last night.
The blaze, which stretched more than two kilometres wide, broke out at the beauty spot on Wednesday afternoon – sending large volumes of smoke towards nearby towns.
Duncan Ferguson lives in Glenmore, a village near Aviemore. He said police came to his house during the afternoon, telling residents to “leave your pets and go”. Mr Ferguson, who is operations manager at the Spey Fishery Board, said a nearby campsite had not yet been evacuated.
He said: “It’s going to be bad, it’s going to be major unless they get hold of it. It’s heathland at the minute, but it’s started to burn in the upper area of the regeneration of the Caledonian pine forest.
“Once it comes down into there, it’s dry, dry ground, with a real load to burn. It’s just going to get hotter and hotter.”
READ MORE: ‘Leave your pets and go’ Residents evacuated over fears Cairngorms wildfire could spread
Ryan Carroll
Today12:59 BST
Welcome to the live blog. We will keep you updated with all the developments throughout the day.