Plans for staged re-opening of wildfire cordons being finalised

Plans for the staged re-opening of a wildfire cordon around a village in the Cairngorms are being finalised by police and fire chiefs.

Road and access restrictions have remained in place around the Glenmore area as firefighters continue to tackle the ongoing wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was first notified about a fire near the Ryvoan Bothy, close to Aviemore, around midday on July 15.

So far more than 500 firefighters have been deployed to fight the blaze, which has devastated an estimated 25 square kilometres of land since it started.

The firefighting response remains ongoing, but SFRS said “good progress” is being made.

On Monday, SFRS said it currently has six fire appliances on site, with around 30 firefighters working alongside partners and helicopter support to extinguish remaining hotspots and deep-seated fires.

This includes the use of heavy machinery to clear trees and dig trenches through peat layers to prevent underground spread.

On Monday evening, SFRS said plans for a phased reduction of some cordons in the Glenmore area are being finalised following a reduction of the incident cordon.

As part of this managed re-opening, SFRS said people working at the Refuel event at Badaguish this week and those staying at the event ground will be allowed past the existing road checkpoint at Coylumbridge from Tuesday.

“This will allow access as far as Badaguish, where an incident cordon remains in place, and will require proof of site access or a valid event ticket,” SFRS said in an update.

“The multi-agency partnership aims to support the community and local businesses. This event will generate significant footfall in the Aviemore area, however public safety must remain the top priority.

“Access to and from the event will be strictly managed by event staff to prevent further public access into the Glenmore Forest and Loch Morlich area, which remains a live incident ground.”

Police Scotland said road closures remain in place for the C7 Ski Road, the Forest Lodge access road, Lettoch Road, and Dorback.

Walking routes around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish also remain closed, alongside of routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.

As cordons are reduced, SFRA said routes in and out of the incident area will be fully signposted, with clear guidance on what areas are accessible.

Information on wider access for the public and local businesses is expected to follow later this week.

Highland Council is hosting drop-in sessions for residents and businesses affected by the fire to find out what support is available to them.