Two helicopters dispatched to tackle Cairngorm wildfire after minister said fire was 'contained'
A force of 50 firefighters are being helped on the ground by an army of volunteers with questions raised about a Scottish Government minister’s claim on Thursday that the fire was ‘contained’
Two helicopters have been called to douse flames at the ongoing large-scale wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
The blaze was first reported on Wednesday morning after smoke was spotted at Ryvoan Bothy near Nethy Bridge on the RSPB’s Abernethy estate.
The fire continues to burn more than 48 hours later as 50 firefighters, NGO partners, local contractors, gamekeepers, estate workers and farmers continue to work together to put it out.
An estimated four square kilometres (1.5 square miles) of ground have been burnt by the fire.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), which oversees the running of the park, confirmed on Friday afternoon that two helicopters were now assisting with the fire. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said more than 50 firefighters continued to tackle the wildfire for a third consecutive day.
Water is being pumped from Loch Morlich to support operations, with landowners and partner agencies establishng firebreaks in a bid to contain the flames.
Area commander Lynne Gow said the use of a helicopter is helping limit the spread of the blaze.
“The deployment of a helicopter provides an additional operational capability which can be particularly effective across challenging terrain and in areas that are difficult to access,” she said.
“Aerial support complements the extensive work already being undertaken by firefighters and partner agencies on the ground and enhances our ability to limit the spread of fire where conditions allow, as we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
The helicopters arrived following an urgent call from RSPB for aerial support to help extinguish the flames as it continued to burn through Caledonian pinewood and fragile nature habitats. Initially, they were told adequate assistance had been deployed.
Scottish justice secretary Neil Gray said on Thursday afternoon that the fire was “contained”, and that the Scottish Government would be reviewing the situation should anything change.
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The statement by the government minister caused concern for a number of organisations working on the ground fighting the flames.
Land managers and gamekeepers assisting with the ongoing incident said the terminology used was “not the view” of those battling the dangerous conditions at the time. They claimed firefighters in attendance also confirmed “contained” was not the wording they would have used.
Some of those at the scene criticised the minister's description of the situation, calling it "extremely dangerous" because, they said, it was "not the case". They expressed concern that members of the public would interpret Mr Gray's comments as meaning it was safe to go about their lives as normal in the area.
READ MORE: Rural villages in ‘imminent danger’ of wildfire spread as calls made for evacuation plans
In response to the minister’s statement on Thursday, Calum Kippen, co-founder of Bright Spark Burning Techniques, an organisation that specialises in wildfire prevention, said: “The only way to describe the fire as being contained is that it’s maybe contained between the Atlantic and the North Sea.”
Mr Gray’s statement included a message to “everyone in the affected area to continue following advice from the authorities and to stay up to date with the latest guidance”.
The SFRS said the wording was not concerning but added that ongoing live incidents can of course change.
A number of properties, including tourists areas and residential homes, were evacuated as the fire began to roar on Wednesday. A section of the A9 in the area was closed due to smoke drifting across the busy carriageway and affecting visibility for drivers. Police Scotland officers were dispatched to assist walkers off the hill and encourage them to tell loved ones that they had made it home safe.
The general manager of the Pine Marten Bar + Scran, a popular spot with locals and tourists near Loch Morlich, in Glenmore, spoke of her sadness after the bar was closed and evacuated on Wednesday.
Katie Jachacy said she had to move guests this week to other hospitality businesses in the area and cancel bookings and food orders for the days ahead.
“This is extreme weather at its worst,” she said.
“The fire has burned all the way around to the car park at Cairngorm and it’s less than a kilometre from Glenmore Lodge.
“This place is one of the last remaining Caledonian pine forests in the country – these trees have burnt to a crisp. These are hundreds of years old trees – and they’re just gone.
“There are wild cats up there, pine martens, squirrels, the frogs the little newts – they’re all going to be affected. I’m from the area, and it really deeply saddens me.”
The bar manager said the business will lose out on a lot of money given the time of year.
“This is peak season for us and we’re making the money we need now to see us through the dark months,” she said.
The latest statement from the CNPA said efforts are still being targeted to contain the fire.
It read: “Firefighting efforts remain ongoing, with crews on scene from the SFRS, NGO partners, local contractors, gamekeepers, estate workers and farmers working through the night.
“Two helicopters are now on scene, alongside nine appliances and a range of specialist equipment including a high volume pump. Cordons remain in place, and people are asked to avoid Glenmore, Abernethy, Loch Morlich and nearby areas. A number of properties and visitor centres remain evacuated as a precaution due to their proximity to the incident. Any further evacuation measures will continue to be assessed.”
Aviemore, the largest town near to where the fire has been burning, is no longer in the immediately affected location at this point and business is open as usual, the statement said.
It added: “Efforts are being targeted to contain the spread of the fire, and establish firebreaks. Offers of additional resources are appreciated, however these are not required at this time.”
The C7 road, known locally as Ski Road, remains closed at Coylumbridge.
Anyone due to travel to Glemore in the coming days is advised to check with their accommodation provider - including campsites - to ensure it is still accessible.
Police said motorists travelling south of Glenmore should be mindful that the narrow rural roads may be busier with people seeking alternative routes.
Vulnerable people living in the area have been contacted by the authorities.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray met senior officers from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) this morning to receive the latest update on the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
“SFRS confirmed to Mr Gray that this incident has been appropriately resourced throughout, involving specialist wildfire units, tactical commanders, partner agencies, landowners, gamekeepers and high-volume pumping operations. Two helicopters are now providing additional water-bombing support alongside the ground-based response.
“A very high wildfire warning was issued on Wednesday and continues to be in place across Scotland until Monday. Everyone in the countryside is urged to avoid naked flames, choose picnics over barbecues and fully extinguish cigarettes. Ministers ask everyone in the affected area to continue following advice from the authorities and to stay up to date with the latest guidance."
A Scottish government spokesperson said on Friday: “SFRS confirmed to Mr Gray that this incident has been appropriately resourced throughout, involving specialist wildfire units, tactical commanders, partner agencies, landowners, gamekeepers and high-volume pumping operations. Two helicopters are now providing additional water-bombing support alongside the ground-based response.
“A very high wildfire warning was issued on Wednesday and continues to be in place across Scotland until Monday. Everyone in the countryside is urged to avoid naked flames, choose picnics over barbecues and fully extinguish cigarettes. Ministers ask everyone in the affected area to continue following advice from the authorities and to stay up to date with the latest guidance."
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