Firefighters battle major wildfire burning across Cairngorms National Park

Firefighters battle major wildfire burning across Cairngorms National Park

Emergency services are battling a large-scale wildfire that has spread across more than two kilometres in width near Glenmore in the Cairngorms National Park. The blaze, which began in heathland, has moved into the upper area of the Caledonian pine forest regeneration, where officials warn that dry ground provides a significant amount of fuel.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was first alerted to the fire near Ryvoan Bothy at 11.49am on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. By 9pm that night, the SFRS had mobilised six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, tactical commanders and specialist resources to the scene.

The fire has forced the evacuation of a number of properties and premises as a precaution. Affected sites within the Glenmore Forest Park area include businesses, homes, campsites and ski resorts. Glenmore Lodge, an outdoors centre, confirmed it was located within the evacuation zone and advised travellers to avoid the area.

Duncan Ferguson, operations manager at the Spey Fishery Board, said police visited his home during the afternoon and instructed residents to leave your pets and go. Mr. Ferguson noted a nearby campsite had not yet been evacuated at that time, adding that the situation would become severe and affect property unless contained quickly.

Due to large volumes of smoke travelling toward populated areas, residents in Glenmore, Aviemore and surrounding communities were told to keep their doors and windows closed. The SFRS advised anyone within the area who can smell or see smoke to follow the same guidance.

Firefighters are currently working with landowners to establish fire breaks to contain the blaze. High winds have contributed to the fire spreading across woodland and trees. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin, SFRS Head of Prevention, described the situation as a large-scale fire front and stated that crews are working to limit further spread.

The incident occurred during a period of warm weather with long spells of sunshine and temperatures expected to reach the high 20s later in the week. This coincided with a very high risk wildfire warning issued by the SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum for the central Highlands and parts of eastern and southern Scotland, effective from Wednesday, 15 July to Monday, 20 July.

A spokesperson for the Cairngorms National Park Authority described the event as deeply concerning and said the blaze serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by hotter and drier weather. This follows other incidents in the region, including a gorse fire at Garry Park Wood at Lochore Meadows Country Park in Fife, which the SFRS responded to at about 3.15pm on Wednesday with one appliance.

Police Scotland and park authorities have urged hillwalkers and hikers to avoid the area. Those currently on surrounding hills were asked to get themselves safely off the land as soon as possible, and walkers were told to notify family or friends once they have returned.

There are no reported casualties. While operational responses were scaled back overnight during hours of darkness to monitor conditions, the SFRS anticipates remaining on scene for a considerable time.

Road closures remain in place to support the response. The public is asked to avoid the areas of Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park on Thursday, 16 July as the incident continues.