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Cairngorms wildfire is 'not contained' and still burning hard, residents warn

News imageRSPB Scotland Firefighters wearing backpack water sprayers work through thick smoke while tackling a vegetation fire on open moorland. The figures are silhouetted against dense grey and white smoke that fills most of the scene.RSPB Scotland
Firefighters, land workers and community volunteers have been working to stop the wildfire spread

A devastating wildfire that has been ablaze for three days in the Cairngorms is still "burning hard", residents have warned.

Community leaders criticised the Scottish government for describing the incident as "contained", despite flames spreading further through the national park.

More than 50 firefighters and two helicopters continued to tackle the blaze on Friday, which started in heathland near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge.

Nethy Bridge Community Council said: "People are not aware of the scale and enormity of this fire."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said four square kilometres of land had been torched by the flames since Wednesday.

Homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

Nine fire engines, two specialist wildfire units and tactical commanders were at the scene on Friday, using a high-volume pump to draw water from Loch Morlich.

Two helicopters were also brought in to waterbomb the area.

News imageRSPB Scotland A firefighter wearing protective clothing uses a hose to spray water on a smouldering moorland fire. Flames and thick white smoke spread across the burnt vegetation in the background as firefighting efforts continue.RSPB Scotland
A series of photos released by RSPB Scotland show the work on the ground to contain the flames

Sandy McCook, chairman of Nethy Bridge community council, told BBC Radio Scotland: "They are doing sterling work, they are doing everything they can.

"But it is still a bucket in the ocean compared to the size of the incident we have."

McCook criticised Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who said the fire was "currently contained" on Thursday, before the response was scaled up a day later.

He added: "For Neil Gray to say the fire is contained is rubbish. They will not listen to local experts, gamekeepers, ghillies, farmers.

"People think contained means it is virtually out.

"It is still spreading, it is still burning hard, there are people's live and homes at great risk. Wildlife and landscape is being destroyed."

News imagePortrait of a person with short grey hair wearing a blue check-pattern shirt, standing outdoors in a grassy garden area. Trees and shrubs form a blurred background, with a leafless tree visible to the right, and a mobile phone partially visible in the shirt pocket.
Sandy McCook said ministers are not listening to local gamekeepers and farmers

McCook also challenged the assertion that the SFRS has access to "adequate resources" following the devastating Dava Moor blaze in June last year.

The wildfire, around Grantown-on-Spey and Forres, burned for four days and was described at the UK's first megafire.

McCook added: "The Scottish government said it had learnt the lessons after Dava Moor. Well I'm sorry, but the lessons have not been learnt.

"It is untenable the position they are taking that they have enough equipment. It is helicopters that are needed."

News imageRSPB Scotland Firefighters and volunteers work to contain a large moorland wildfire as a long line of flames advances across a hillside. Thick plumes of white and brown smoke rise into the sky while crews use hoses and equipment vehicles positioned on the grassland below.RSPB Scotland
RSPB Scotland says about 300 hectares of its reserve at Loch Garten has been lost to the flames

On Friday, Neil Gray told the BBC he asked a "direct question" to the chief fire officer, who confirmed the SFRS had access to all the resources needed.

Gray said: "If there are requests and innovations in terms of the growing threat of wildfires of course we will discuss it with the SFRS.

"I'm incredibly proud of the response from officers."

The justice secretary said the SFRS had carried out "significant containment work" and was hoping for favourable weather conditions to attack the fire and "make a difference".

He added: "This is a protracted incident and it is over a relatively large area.

"We are confident in the response and we are very grateful to the firefighters local volunteers and others."

Two helicopters were brought in to tackle the blaze on Friday

The RSPB said about 300 hectares of its reserve at Loch Garten, Abernethy, had been burned and teams were still working to contain the fire.

The charity said there was "a huge community effort" to halt the spread with gamekeepers and other staff from neighbouring estates.

There had been concerns for capercaillie - large woodland grouse - that have recently been spotted around Ryvoan.

Parts of Scotland remain at very high risk of wildfire over the weekend.

The SFRS, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, issued warnings for the central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland.

The alert lasts until Monday following days of hot and dry weather in many parts of the country.

SFRS area Commander Lynne Gow said: "We want people to enjoy the outdoors safely, but during periods of heightened wildfire risk we are asking everyone to act responsibly and avoid the use of naked flames.

"Wildfires can develop rapidly, spread unpredictably and have devastating consequences for communities, wildlife and the environment.

"By taking simple precautions, everyone can play a part in helping prevent further incidents."

If you see a large outdoor fire, call 999 immediately. Give the location and any other relevant information so fire crews can respond quickly.