Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park that began on 15 July and has burned thousands of acres near Aviemore. Around six fire engines and roughly 30 firefighters remain on site, supported by volunteers and helicopters, and more than 500 personnel have been involved since the blaze began. CNPA has approved the Refuel festival at Badaguish with a Coylumbridge checkpoint, while Glenmore Forest and Loch Morlich remain an active incident ground. SFRS warns hotspots and flare-ups could take weeks to extinguish.
Crews Continue to Battle Cairngorms Wildfire as Hotspots Persist and Festival Is Approved
Firefighting continues at site of Cairngorms wildfire
Fire crews remain on site in the Cairngorms National Park as teams continue to tackle hotspots and "deep-seated" fires nearly three weeks after the blaze began.
Current Situation
The fire, which started on 15 July near Aviemore, has burned thousands of acres of moorland and woodland. Six fire appliances and about 30 firefighters are currently working at the scene to extinguish remaining hotspots. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says crews are supported by volunteers and helicopter assets.
Wider Response and Impact
Since the incident began, more than 500 firefighters have been involved in the operational response, backed by local farmers, gamekeepers and staff from RSPB Scotland. The community of Nethy Bridge has been providing meals to crews and volunteers supporting the effort.
Public Safety And Events
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) confirmed the fire service has given approval for the Refuel music festival to proceed at the Badaguish Outdoor Centre on Wednesday. A checkpoint will operate at Coylumbridge and all attendees and staff must show proof of site access or a valid event ticket.
Safety warning: CNPA stressed that the wider Glenmore Forest and Loch Morlich area remains a "live incident ground" and is not yet deemed safe for public access. Earlier on Monday, SFRS urged residents and visitors in Aviemore to keep windows and doors closed after a wind change sent smoke toward the village.
Outlook
SFRS has warned that hotspots and flare-ups could take weeks to fully extinguish. Crews continue to monitor the area and respond to any rekindling as conditions allow.
Key facts: Fire began on 15 July; thousands of acres affected; sustained multi-agency response; ongoing public-safety restrictions in nearby areas.
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