Last updated: July 15, 2026

3 Weeks In: Cairngorms Wildfire Response Operations Continue

A massive wildfire response continues in the Cairngorms National Park as emergency crews work to extinguish deep-seated underground blazes. The incident, which began on July 15 near Ryvoan Bothy close to Aviemore, has scorched roughly 25 square kilometres (10 square miles) of moor and woodland. Emergency agencies are currently managing a phased reduction of safety cordons while keeping residents on high alert.

What Is Happening

Emergency services are maintaining active containment efforts at the Cairngorms National Park following nearly three weeks of continuous operations. Six fire appliances and approximately 30 firefighters remain deployed on-site, supported by volunteer groups, local landowners, and aerial support from helicopters. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) indicated that while good progress has been made, completely putting out subterranean hotspots could take several additional weeks.

The Background

The fire original began around midday on July 15 near Ryvoan Bothy on RSPB Scotland land. Dry conditions and varying winds allowed the flames to spread quickly through pine forest and peatland across the Glenmore area. Over the course of the incident, more than 500 firefighters have joined the effort alongside gamekeepers, farmers, and conservation staff. The severe spread forced police to declare a major incident, leading to temporary evacuations of nearby settlements such as Nethy Bridge.

The Latest Development

In the latest operational update, authorities confirmed plans for a phased easing of safety cordons surrounding Glenmore. Fire crews and Police Scotland are granting managed access past the Coylumbridge checkpoint for attendees and workers heading to the Refuel music festival at the Badaguish Outdoor Centre. Attendees must present valid proof of entry or access tickets. Meanwhile, shifting wind directions recently pushed heavy smoke toward Aviemore, prompting fire officials to urge residents and visitors to close doors, windows, and vehicle air vents.

What It Means

The wildfire highlights the operational complexities of tackling peatland blazes, where flames burrow deep into organic soil layers. Firefighters are utilizing heavy machinery to clear fallen timber and cut physical trenches into the peat to stop underground ignition pathways. For the surrounding business community, the controlled reopening of key roads provides partial relief ahead of scheduled outdoor events, though major walking trails—including routes around Cairngorm Mountain, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, and the Green Loch—remain entirely off-limits due to dangerous terrain and active equipment operations.

What Remains Unclear

While multi-agency teams continue containment procedures, several aspects of the response remain under review or pending further action:

• Full Public Reopening Dates: Specific timelines for restoring unrestricted public access across Glenmore Forest and Loch Morlich have not been released.
• Equipment Inquiries: Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr requested an Audit Scotland review regarding eight Ford Ranger Ultra-Light Pumping Units acquired in 2023 for £984,000 that were reportedly not operational as of June.
• Long-term Environmental Damage: Formal assessments of the total ecological recovery timeline for RSPB Scotland's reserve land are still pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large is the area affected by the Cairngorms wildfire?

The fire has impacted approximately 25 square kilometres (roughly 10 square miles) of forestry and moorland in the Cairngorms National Park.

Is Aviemore currently safe for residents and visitors?

Aviemore remains open, but emergency services have advised people to keep doors and windows closed when smoke drifts toward the village due to changing wind patterns.

Are public walking trails open around Glenmore and Loch Morlich?

No. Major walking routes, including access to Cairngorm Mountain, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, and Lochan Uaine, remain closed as a live incident ground.

How many firefighters have been involved in the operation?

More than 500 firefighters have contributed to the response since the incident was first reported on July 15.

Can ticket holders attend the Refuel festival at Badaguish?

Yes. Ticket holders and event staff are permitted past the Coylumbridge checkpoint provided they show valid proof of site access.