'Major incident' declared as huge Cairngorms National Park wildfire rages towards homes

Police Scotland has declared a major incident as a wildfire continues to rage through Cairngorms National Park. The blaze broke out near Glenmore on Wednesday 15 July and has burned for more than a week, covering approximately six square kilometres of heather and small trees at its height. Homes around Nethy Bridge have been evacuated, with residents directed to a respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel. Residents in properties north-west of Dorback Lodge, Lain Thatchan, have also been evacuated. A smoke advisory is in force for Tomintoul.

Superintendent Judy Hill stated: "The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution."

Significantly changed weather conditions with stronger winds have intensified the fire's unpredictable behaviour. Smoke has drifted as far as Aberdeen, approximately 97 kilometres away. First Minister John Swinney said changing wind conditions had intensified the pace of spread, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service focusing resources on creating a firebreak.

More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has requested additional heavy machinery such as bulldozers to support the response.

Residents have expressed frustration. Sandy McCook, chairman of Nethy Bridge and Vicinity Community Council, said villagers were left "upset angry and frustrated" after being instructed to leave. Duncan Ferguson, a Glenmore resident, warned: "It's going to be bad, it's going to be major unless they get hold of it. It's heathland at the minute but it's started to burn in the upper area of the regeneration of the Caledonian pine forest. Once it comes down into there it's dry dry ground with a real load to burn. It's just going to get hotter and hotter."