The Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire is a difficult and constantly changing situation, following significant flare-ups overnight.

Fire crews, partners, farmers, gamekeepers, contractors and other volunteers are working hard in challenging conditions to tackle the fire, which spread amid heightened winds.

Changing wind conditions have impacted the direction of the fire overnight and throughout the day. We - and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland colleagues - are aware of the understandable local concern that this is causing. 

The situation, including in regard to resident evacuations, is being monitored extremely closely by emergency services. Authorities including Highland Council are prepared as part of wider multi-agency planning should this be necessary as a result of changing conditions.

Helicopters are on site targeting key areas, with plans for this to continue tomorrow. Strategic fire breaks are also being created. 

The smoke has travelled a considerable distance, including parts of Aberdeenshire and as far as Aberdeen city. We would ask that if you can see or smell smoke, please close your windows and doors as a precaution.

Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “This is an incredibly worrying time and we know that the images that are circulating online are distressing. 

“The operation is being co-ordinated at a national level by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland. The situation on the ground is being monitored closely and the Park Authority will continue to support efforts and provide any resources wherever we can. 

“We are incredibly grateful for all the efforts on the ground so far, in what has been a long-running and challenging incident.  

"We understand that many people are keen to help, with members of the public offering to volunteer at the scene. This is appreciated, but partners co-ordinating efforts have assured us this is not required at this time. 

“We would like to reiterate that the advice remains for the public to avoid the Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Abernethy areas*, follow guidance from emergency services and adhere to any cordons to allow everyone fighting this fire to continue their work. 

“Countryside rangers from the Park Authority will be on duty as usual this weekend to support visitors displaced from the Glenmore area, with planned patrols with Police Scotland at key sites.”  

We will continue to issue updates as the situation develops.

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*Please avoid: 

• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Lochan (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy or Bynack More.
• Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy also remain closed.