Villagers in Glenmore evacuated as wildfire breaks out in Highlands
A large-scale wildfire has broken out in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, leading to the evacuation of villagers, campsites, and ski resorts. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which has been fueled by dry conditions and high winds.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing risk of wildfires in regions traditionally considered temperate, posing threats to both local communities and protected wildlife habitats.
Image source, Sam Wallace Image caption, Firefighters have been battling flames in the Cairngorms National Park
Villagers, campsites and ski resorts have been evacuated as a "large-scale" wildfire has spread across 2kms (1.2 miles) of dry land in the Cairngorms National Park.
Fire crews with specialist resources have been battling the flames since about 11:50, after they took hold at Ryvoan Bothy at Nethy Bridge.
Members of the public are being urged to avoid Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich into Thursday as firefighting continues - though operations are expected to be scaled down through the night.
Earlier the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) sent all staff on duty to the scene, as the blaze is on the southern boundary of the Loch Garten Nature Reserve in Abernethy, which it owns.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in