The multiple wildfires that started over the weekend in Moray and Highland are still burning. Our thanks and praise go out to all the fire crews, estate staff, land managers, farmers and others from across the Cairngorms National Park and beyond who are working non-stop to get these devastating fires under control.  

The impacts of these wildfires to local communities and to our precious wildlife will be felt for a long time to come and our hearts go out to everyone affected. 

The situation on the ground is constantly evolving and we would ask people to:   

• Follow the latest advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland.
• Stay away from the area and observe road closures.
• If you live in the vicinity, keep doors and windows closed.
• Be extra vigilant and do not use disposable barbecues or light campfires.
• Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of, and glass bottles placed in recycling bins or taken home with you.

Within the National Park our ranger team have recently increased their patrols and continue to ask people not to light campfires. Park Authority staff are also working closely with estate and emergency service staff to coordinate activity on the ground and get the wildfires under control.  

Incidents like those over the past few days highlight the need for coordinated activity to tackle the threat of wildfires, particularly in light of the increasing threat from climate change. Last Friday our board formally approved an Integrated Wildfire Management Plan, promoting collaboration between land managers, public agencies and others to prevent wildfires from starting, be better prepared to tackle wildfires and to make the landscape more resilient. Proposals to establish a recreational fire byelaw – banning fires in the National Park between 1 April and 30 September – are also being considered by Scottish ministers and we expect an announcement on this soon.  

The brutal reality, of course, is that it only takes one spark or piece of smouldering ash to start a wildfire, which is why we’re asking everyone to be extra vigilant and do their bit to protect our National Park.  

To keep up to date with the latest advice and guidance, check out the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website and social media. 

Police Scotland Highlands and Islands Facebook page for updates and road closure information 

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page for updates