Firefighters leave scene of Cairngorms wildfire after nearly five weeks

Fire crews have left the scene of the Cairngorms wildfire nearly five weeks after it took hold.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service left the scene on Monday, with the final affected area around the RSPB Abernethy Nature Reserve handed over to the charity.

RSPB teams are continuing to dampen down hotspots in part of the nature reserve.

The public is being warned that parts of the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding areas remain hazardous due to unstable ground conditions and the risk of falling trees.

More than 500 firefighters and staff from partners and community volunteers were involved in or supported the response to the fire since the incident began on July 15 near Ryvoan Bothy and Glenmore.

The fire is estimated to have affected an area of around 25 sq km with huge areas of moorland and some ancient pine destroyed.

An RSPB spokesperson said: “This is an important milestone, made possible thanks to everyone that has worked so hard to tackle this fire. However, it will still be a while until we can safely welcome visitors back to RSPB Abernethy.

“Our staff are still using firefighting equipment to extinguish widely scattered hotspots. In many parts of the reserve, including close to tracks, tree roots have been destroyed, so there is a risk of tree-fall, which we need to make safe.

Fire crews have left the scene of the Cairngorms wildfire RSPB Scotland

“We will also be using heavy machinery to undertake further work where firebreaks have been created.

“Until we can be certain that these areas are safe, we are asking that people follow all safety advice and signage and do not attempt to access the affected parts of the RSPB Abernethy nature reserve.”

SFRS deputy assistant chief officer William Pollard said: “While SFRS has now left the scene, we would remind members of the public that large areas of ground within the Cairngorms National Park have undergone significant disruption due to firefighting operations and the creation of firebreaks.

“Businesses across the area are reopening and look forward to welcoming the return of visitors. However, some locations remain closed due to unsafe ground conditions. We urge people to avoid closed zones and avoid entering restricted areas.

“Please ensure your safety and the safety of others by following all signage and paying close attention to the advice provided by our partners.”

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is urging visitors to Glenmore to observe the safety signage and barriers limiting public access to some parts of Glenmore Forest.

Mr Pollard added: “Please ensure your safety and the safety of others by following all signage and paying close attention to the advice provided by our partners.”