Pulling together in wake of wildfires
We want to start by paying tribute to everyone who helped to fight the wildfires to the north of the National Park. Gamekeepers, estate staff, farmers and many others worked tirelessly with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to get the wildfires under control. There was also a great community effort, with many donations coming into the Park Authority HQ for distribution to those at the fires. The fires will have a massive impact on several estate and farming businesses and the putting out of the fires is just a first step in recovery.
The wildfires are a reminder to all of us that the impacts of a changing climate are not off in the future but are here now. We are getting more flood events, more drought events and more wildfires. We have to prepare and adapt to this changing climate.
There are many lessons to be learned for the future on the back of these wildfires, but action is already underway.
The Integrated Wildfire Management Plan was approved by the Board on the 27 June. Following extensive engagement with estates and others across the National Park there are a lot of actions to take forward, but it provides a good basis for future work across public and private organisations to both limit ignition and mitigate impacts.
The Board approved the fire management byelaw for the National Park following extensive engagement with residents and visitors. That is now with Scottish Ministers and if approved will ban open fires and barbecues in the countryside within the National Park from 1 April to 30 September each year.
The Park Authority has funded equipment and training for wildfire management through the Climate Adaptation Fund, some of which was used in tackling the wildfire this past week. Announcements on this year’s recipients will be made later this month.
There are more rangers than ever patrolling the National Park, extinguishing campfires and making sure that visitors and residents out in the National Park enjoy the countryside responsibly. In addition, Police Scotland have begun patrols which will continue throughout the summer months. It is incumbent on us all to think about the consequences of our actions and there is no reason for anyone to be lighting fires in the countryside as alternatives are available.
Chaired by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Wildfire Forum includes members from across the public and private sectors. We are working together to respond effectively to wildfires and mitigate their impacts on the landscape and reduce wildfire risk.
This week the forum issued an update following the fires, which you can read here.
No doubt there are more things to think about and learn after this wildfire from long term planning to operational logistics and communications.
Adapting to the impacts of a changing climate, from flooding to drought and wildfire, will be a big element of the work we do as a Park Authority over the coming years, and it will no doubt be high on the agenda as we look at developing the next iteration of the Park Plan over the coming 18 months.
No organisation or individual can tackle the issue of wildfire alone. The community spirit shown in the past few weeks shows a clear way forward – we need to work together to reduce risk and be prepared for the future.
Alert
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.
More news and views
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Ongoing wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy
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Historic bridge in Nethy replaced after years of community effort
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Endangered ant queen found in Royal Deeside
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Digging deep for nature: Speyside High pupils visit Badaguish for tree planting day
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National Park rangers and Police Scotland gear up for joint patrols
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Park Authority June Board meeting takes place in Ballater
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Shetland learnings
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News from the June Planning Committee meeting
