Fire crews still attending Cairngorms wildfire say progress has been made

Firefighters are still attending the Cairngorms wildfire but have said there has been significant progress in the last day.

On Saturday evening, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed there were six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Wildfire Support Unit and a water carrier helicopter at the scene.

The fire broke out late on Wednesday morning and has burned ever since.

SFRS said water-bombing operations are taking place in the area.

Over the last 24 hours, areas including Strathnethy on the western and eastern flanks have seen improvement.

Volunteers help tackle wildfire (cc Will Boyd Wallace) Will Boyd Wallace

The service said times between 3-6.30pm is the toughest part of the day due to warmer temperatures, stating it is looking into what resources will be needed on Sunday.

SFRS 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.”

A helicopter used to water bomb fire-ravaged woodland STV News

Estate workers, gamekeepers and farmers are among volunteers that have joined firefighters in the operation.

Ben Jones, RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy site manager spoke to STV News on Saturday.

“Today was significantly damper, which was a big help. It meant we could get on top of the fires,” he said.

“The fire is no longer advancing, certainly on Abernethy’s ground and, it’s understood, across the fire zone.

“We’re hoping we’re nearing the end of this event, but there are still hotspots throughout the fire zone and we’re by no means out of the woods yet.”

High-volume pump used to draw water from Loch Morlich

Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at Cairngorms National Park, said crews are on the ground dampening hotspots.

“The ground will be very hot in places, so they need to check the fire doesn’t spring up again.

“All the people there just now are likely to continue to be there the next hours and days, or longer.”

Police Scotland said people displaced by the fire who need to return to the exclusion zone around the fire need to register at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort in Aviemore between 10am and noon on Sunday or call 01349 886691.

Police said they will be contacted when the zone is considered safe to enter.