Police have banned drones from flying in restricted areas as emergency crews battle wildfires at the Cairngorms.
Around 70 firefighters remain at the scene and nine appliances on Monday as progress is being made at dampening the flames due to imrpived weather conditions.
An aerial assessment has revealed that a massive 25 square kilometres area has been affected by the blaze.
Helicopters, funded by Forestry and Land Scotland, have been performing significant water-bombing within the airspace and police have banned drones due to fears they may interfere with their operations.
View 4 ImagesSmoke rises from the Cairngorms as the flames get close to Nethy Bridge(Image: Patricia Eccles/PA Wire )
While no air restrictions have been implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority at this time, cops have urged the public not to fly drones and similar vehicles within the air space between East of Coylumbridge, South of Nethybridge, West of Tomintoul, North of Glen Avon and Cairngorm Mountain until further notice.
Members of the public, icluding walkers and visitors are asked to continue to avoid affected areas in Glenmore, Abernethy and Loch Morlich.
Highland Council also convened a business recovery group – attended by Park Authority representatives and other public sector agencies – looking at economic support and recovery beyond the immediate incident.
Inspector Douglas Livitt said: “We understand the significant public interest in this ongoing incident and the desire for some to obtain detailed imagery of the current situation, however, in order to ensure that helicopter operations are not stalled or hampered, please refrain from flying unmanned aerial vehicles in the area for the time being.
View 4 ImagesFirefighters walk through the ashes as they work to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire.(Image: Will Boyd-Wallis)
“This remains a dynamic situation with a significant level of resource from a variety of agencies and we are all committed to returning the affected area to normality as soon as possible.
“Our thanks go to the public for their continued support and cooperation.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “Progress has been made in tackling the Cairngorms wildfire as aggressive firefighting operations continue today, Monday, 27 July.
“It is estimated that the fire has affected an area of around 25 square kilometres, following an aerial assessment.
“Improved weather conditions and a targeted effort to tackle the wildfire in key areas has resulted in a reduction in visible flames, however smouldering areas and burning spots in the ground remain.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will maintain a significant presence in the area until the incident is brought to a safe conclusion.
View 4 ImagesThe fire took hold in a remote area of the Cairngorms National Park(Image: RSPB Scotland/PA Wire)
“Firefighting is ongoing alongside partners and heavy machinery in the North and West of the incident, supported by helicopter waterbombing.
“Around 70 firefighters remain on scene, with nine fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and Wildfire Tactical Advisors.
“Members of the public, walkers, and visitors are urged to continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations.”
Article continues below
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.