Residents of Nethy Bridge were ordered to evacuate late yesterday evening as a wildfire intensified within the Cairngorms.
Superintendent Judy Hill noted that the recent weather conditions have complicated firefighting efforts, citing the combination of heat and wind.
Strong gusts have reignited the blaze, causing the fire to spread rapidly across the surrounding landscape.
A smoke advisory has been issued for Tomintoul, urging residents to keep windows and doors closed. The haze is also affecting Aviemore, Inverurie, Banchory, Kintore, and reaching as far as Aberdeen, obscuring visibility along the A9.
Inhalation of smoke can irritate throats, impair breathing, and exacerbate asthma. Air quality monitoring indicates a “high” level of pollution in northeast Scotland.
Fire services have called for heavy equipment operators, such as bulldozer crews, to assist with the ongoing response. They also advise the public to stay away from affected zones while operations continue.
Officials describe the area as unsafe due to active firefighting, rapidly changing fire behavior, and helicopter activity.
Scorching, dry conditions have persisted for months, creating a fire‑weather environment that dries vegetation and fuels potential blazes.
Researchers have identified a “firewave” phenomenon, noting an uptick in wildfires in urban, less flammable regions during these spells.
The expansive Cairngorms National Park has accumulated vast amounts of dry fuel, amplifying the risk and potential size of fires.
Human activities such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarette butts, and arson remain the primary causes of most wildfires.
Climate change is extending the traditional spring fire season into summer, effectively doubling the likelihood of wildfires compared with the preindustrial era.
Firefighters continue to monitor conditions as they work to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities.
