Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 3 August at 6pm
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 3 August at 6pm
There are positive signs tonight that good progress is being made on the Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire.
Two helicopters have been in operation throughout the day and will remain at the site until Wednesday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances and 30 firefighters on site, using high pressure pumps to target deep-seated hot spots. Meanwhile, heavy machinery is being used to clear trees and dig trenches through peat layers to prevent underground spread.
A huge community effort continues, with an army of volunteers in Nethy Bridge working around the clock to feed crews and the many others involved in the firefighting effort.
On Wednesday it will be three weeks since the fire broke out – and the subsequent emergency closure of businesses in the Glenmore area.
Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult time for businesses and workers who are bearing the brunt of the disruption during one of the busiest times of the year. Discussions continue with Scottish Government and others to agree a support package for all those impacted.
“We are hopeful that this week will bring some welcome clarity on when all affected businesses in Glenmore can open, and we know that everyone involved will be desperate to see progress on this, while of course continuing to keep the public safe.
“In the meantime, our team looks forward to speaking to residents and businesses at community drop-in sessions in Aviemore and Nethy Bridge this week, to offer reassurance and support.”
The sessions, organised by The Highland Council and also attended by NHS Highland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, will provide practical guidance on issues including housing, welfare support, benefits, crisis grants, foodbanks, health and wellbeing, business support and fire safety.
They will be held on:
- Tuesday 4 August, 10am to 12.30pm, MacDonald Aviemore Resort
- Tuesday 4 August, 2pm to 5pm, Nethy Bridge Hotel
- Wednesday 5 August, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, MacDonald Aviemore Resort
Tonight, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service gave the go-ahead for a music festival event to be held at Badaguish Outdoor Centre on Wednesday. Access to and from the site 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 and is not yet deemed safe for the public.
The checkpoint will remain on the ski road at Coylumbridge, with event attendees and staff required to show a proof of site access or a valid event ticket.
Additional signs have been erected in the area to advise pedestrians and cyclists on where is safe to go. More information is available via the National Park website here.
Changing wind conditions caused some existing smoke to blow further afield earlier today. Residents in Aviemore and the surrounding area are being reminded to close their windows and doors if they can smell smoke.
We will provide a further update as soon as we can.
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 31 July at 10.30pm
An update from Gavin Miles, Director of Planning and Place at the Park Authority, on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 30 July at 9.30pm
An update from the scene of the wildfire with the Park Authority's Agricultural Advisor Malcolm Smith.
Public access during wildfire response
The Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire has resulted in popular visitor areas, attractions and paths being closed to the public, particularly around the Glenmore and Cairngorm Mountain area.
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Due to the this wildfire incident, the following paths and routes are closed:
- All the paths around Loch Morlich, Glenmore and Badaguish are closed.
- The Ryvoan pass is closed, this includes all access to the Green Lochan (Lochan Uaine).
- Routes providing access to Cairngorm, the Northern Corries, Meall a’ Bhuachaille, Strath Nethy and Bynack More should be avoided.
- The Abernethy Forest area to the south of Forest Lodge and towards Ryvoan bothy is closed.
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SEPA have confirmed the presence of blue-green algae/cyanobacteria in Loch Morlich.
It is advised not to enter or drink the water anywhere in Loch Morlich, or allow your pets to do so, until further notice. Contact with affected water can be harmful to people and animals.
Please:
- Avoid swimming, paddling, or entering the water.
- Keep dogs and other pets away from the loch and shoreline.
- Do not drink or use the water.
If you or your pet feel unwell after contact with the water, seek medical or veterinary advice immediately. Please follow all posted warning signs and guidance from local authorities.