Next stage of National Park fire byelaw introduction sees launch of phase two consultation
Next stage of National Park fire byelaw introduction sees launch of phase two consultation
The Park Authority have today, Monday 23 September, launched a 12-week public consultation on the formal wording of a fire management byelaw for the Cairngorms National Park, as agreed by the Park Authority board on 13 September.
Drawing on feedback from the public earlier this year – 79% of all 1,600 respondents supported the introduction of a byelaw – the Park Authority board agreed to develop a seasonal fire management byelaw, which would last from 1 April to 30 September each year. Whilst the Park Authority did not express a preference during this consultation, the results from members of the public gave a clear mandate for change.
The Park Authority must now consult on the specific wording of the byelaw, as set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000.
Sandy Bremner, Convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “The feelings of a large majority of those who took part in the first phase of the consultation were clear – the people who live, work in and visit the National Park would welcome the introduction of a fire management byelaw. They also told us that a byelaw should be easy to communicate, should not be heavy-handed, and should cover the period with the greatest risk – namely the busy summer months.
“I’d urge all those with a passion for the Cairngorms National Park to participate in this second stage consultation to help shape the detail of a fire management byelaw.”
Over the next 12 weeks, people who live, work in and visit the National Park are invited to give feedback by completing the online questions on the National Park website. The public can also submit their thoughts in writing or over the phone. The findings from this consultation will inform the development of the final fire byelaw.
Following the consultation, the Park Authority will assess responses and, in January 2025, will consider the final wording of the byelaw, which will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers.
More details on the process of the introduction of a fire byelaw can be found on the National Park website: cairngorms.co.uk/fires
Alert
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Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.