Cairngorms wildfire spreads into new areas after wind change, report locals

A wildfire which has ravaged the Cairngorms has flared up again, according to local residents.

Smoke was spotted billowing from the hillside in Abernethy late on Thursday afternoon.

Locals said a change in wind direction resulted in a “major flare-up” in a new area of the hillside towards Mam Suim and Craig Nan Gall.

Community council leader Sandy McCook confirmed the development and warned the blaze is now threatening areas that had so far escaped the fire.

“The fire is blowing into Strathnethy, covering ground and also endangering areas that haven’t been burnt,” he told STV News.

Smoke billows from the hillside after reported change in wind direction STV News

“It was considered to be well out in Abernethy this morning, but we’ve had a wind change in direction this afternoon. The wind has turned much further round to the west.”

He said RSPB Scotland and local estate teams were once again working to tackle the wildfire, more than a week after it first broke out near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge.

Sandy, who was among representatives who met with First Minister John Swinney at Glenmore on Tuesday, said continued helicopter support was crucial to preventing further flare-ups.

Helicopters were used to 'water bomb' fire-ravaged woodland — Helicopters were used to ‘water bomb’ fire-ravaged woodland STV News

“We need full aerial support and we also need a lot of rain this summer,” he added.

“People are exhausted. Everyone’s been fighting it 24 hours a day since last Wednesday. The last thing they need is for us to be back to square one.

“My sympathies are with them.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said four appliances and an ATV remain at the scene.

Fire crews, estate staff and volunteers continue to monitor the site for hot spots and dampen affected areas in Glenmore and around Lochan Uaine (Green Lochan) to control and prevent further flare-ups.

Emergency services are urging walkers, visitors and members of the public to stay away from areas affected by the ongoing wildfire incident in the Cairngorms National Park as firefighting operations continue throughout the weekend and into next week. SFRS

SFRS said that despite repeated warnings, members of the public are continuing to attempt to access areas affected by the wildfire.

The fire service repeated calls for people to stay away from the scene.

The flare-up comes as a very high wildfire risk warning remains in place across much of Scotland.

The warning for the Central Highlands, Southern Scotland and Eastern Scotland has been extended until Friday after initially being introduced for five days.