Tag: wild fires

Update: Wildfire at Cairngorms National Park

Six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Wildfire Support Unit and a water carrier are at the scene

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park for a fourth consecutive day, supported by specialist resources and helicopter water-bombing operations.

The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.

However, there has been significant progress over the past 24 hours, with conditions on both the eastern flank, including the Strathnethy area, and the western flank showing marked improvement compared with this time yesterday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues to work in partnership with agencies and landowners to build on this progress.

The period between 3:00pm and 6:30pm remains the most challenging part of the day, as warmer temperatures and changing wind conditions can influence fire behaviour. Firefighters are continuing to monitor conditions closely and respond where required.

In light of the progress made, SFRS is reviewing its operational requirements and resource deployment for tonight and tomorrow. Crews remain fully committed to maintaining control of the incident and protecting local communities.

There are encouraging signs across the affected area, with visible improvements becoming increasingly evident. While this is positive, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and it is important that we do not become complacent.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said: “We hope this update provides reassurance to local residents and communities. However, it is equally important that expectations are managed given the unpredictable nature of wildfire incidents and the ongoing influence of weather conditions.

“We would like to thank the partnership working of landowners and agencies and our local communities for their continued patience, and cooperation throughout this incident.”

UPDATE: 6pm, Saturday 18 July

Cairngorms Wildfire Update

Police and partners continue to respond to a large fire near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.

The fire was reported around 11.50am on Wednesday, 15 July, 2026, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain on scene.

Police Scotland is co-ordinating a multi-agency response and a number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.

The C7 road, known locally as Ski Road, is closed at Coylumbridge.

Please avoid the area and check with your accommodation if you are due to travel in the coming days to check if it is still accessible.

Police have assisted walkers off the hill, and we are advising remaining walkers to continue to make efforts to get to safety. Anyone requiring emergency assistance should call 999. Please let family or friends know when you have returned.

The Care for People plans are in place, and partners have been in touch with vulnerable people in the area.

Nearby residents are asked to keep windows and doors closed. Anyone concerned about symptoms should check NHS24.

Unmanned aircraft should not be flown close to or within the airspace.

Drone pilots and operators are reminded it is an offence to fly over an ongoing emergency response without prior permission from emergency services.

Please check NOTAM information and Drone Safety Map before flying.

For more information, visit: https://notaminfo.com/ukmap

SCOTTISH Fire and Rescue Service said earlier: ‘We are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.

Operations Control were first alerted at 11.49am and we have mobilised four fire appliances and specialist wildfire resources to the area. There are no reported casualties.

‘Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice.

‘While we want people to enjoy the good weather, we ask that anyone in the Cairngorms National Park near to Aviemore and Glenmore avoids the area.’

Outdoor fire safety message pitched at campers

Safety advice to prevent avoidable fires in the Scottish countryside is being pitched at campers this summer.

Warmer weather and the increased numbers of people visiting the countryside as pandemic restrictions ease create a greater risk of fire.

Not using candles in tents or never leaving camp fires unattended are just some of the tips being highlighted for a safer summer.

The advice comes as new data shows the number of grass fires more than doubled in some parts of Scotland last summer, such as Aberdeenshire & Moray and Highland – see table below.

A nationwide increase of nine percent was recorded, with incidents going up across Argyll & Bute, East and West Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Midlothian and Scottish Borders, Edinburgh City, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife, as well as Aberdeen City.

Between June 22 and August 24, 2020, fires affecting grassland, woodland and crops went up from 656 total incidents in 2019 to 712 in 2020.

Many outdoor fires are started deliberately or are due to careless or irresponsible behaviour.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, SFRS Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “We want people to enjoy spending time outdoors, but it’s important to create a safe environment for you, your loved-ones and the surrounding environment because even small fires have the potential to turn into a wildfire.

“Before lighting any outdoor fires, check for any restrictions or permissions required by the landowner and make sure you use a fire safe pit or container that can be properly extinguished before you leave.

“The vast majority of us wish to keep our country beautiful, but litter can seriously injure wildlife and items such as glass bottles in strong sunlight have the potential to start a fire. Remember to keep your area tidy and always clear up when done.”

There are also other dangers associated with camping as DACO Perry continued:

“Be aware that fire destroys tents very quickly, so use torches instead of candles.

“Never take a portable or disposable barbeque inside a tent to cook or to use as a heat source because Carbon Monoxide is also a potential risk.

“And gas barbeques should also be used in a well-ventilated area.”

Those choosing to go away in caravans for a staycation are also being reminded to have a working smoke alarm fitted.

A fire in a caravan or mobile home spreads much more quickly than it would in a house or flat and there are on average almost 100 caravan fires in Scotland every year.

Summer also brings with it the temptation to swim outdoors, but lochs, rivers and reservoirs also pose a risk to those enjoying nature.

Cold water shock can leave people gasping for breath and it’s potentially fatal. Therefore, the advice is to avoid unsupervised waterways.

More safer summer advice can be found online at: 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/safer-summer.aspx

Don’t forget – if you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time this summer, remember to switch off electrical appliances before you set off.

All grassland, woodland and crop fires:

LSO Area24/06/2019 to 26/08/201922/06/2020 to 24/08/2020
Aberdeen City2327
Aberdeenshire, Moray2765
Angus,Dundee City, Perth & Kinross5555
Argyll & Bute, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire1322
Dumfries & Galloway158
East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire7756
East Lothian,Midlothian, Scottish Borders4246
East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire3830
Edinburgh City5982
Falkirk, West Lothian8174
Glasgow City5452
Highland3265
Na h-Eileanan Siar, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands22
North Lanarkshire3324
South Lanarkshire3731
Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife6873
TOTAL656712