Fire crews 'surround' large-scale Cairngorms wildfire

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Fire crews 'surround' large-scale Cairngorms wildfireImage source, Cairngorms National Park AuthorityImage caption, Crews have been tackling the fire in the Cairngorms for several daysByJames DelaneyBBC ScotlandPublished2 hours agoFire crews have "surrounded" a large-scale wildfire in the Cairngorms after several days of tackling the blaze. Residents were evacuated from the area while more than 100 firefighters battled to contain and extinguish the fire, which started near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, on Wednesday. Police began escorting residents and campers back to properties and campsites to collect personal belongings on Sunday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said "significant progress" in tackling the fire had been made. Favourable conditions including low wind and rainfall on Saturday meant emergency responders were able to make "marked improvements" in extinguishing large sections of the six square kilometre area affected. Forestry Scotland allowed crews the use of drones to get an aerial view of the fire area on Sunday.

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Crews make 'significant progress' in tackling Cairngorms wildfire Published10 hours agoCairngorms wildfire is 'not contained' and still burning hard, residents warn Published1 day agoA high-volume pump has been used to draw water from Loch Morlich to support firefighting efforts. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) said on Sunday there was "growing optimism that the heroic efforts of people on the ground to tackle the wildfire are working". However, they added the incident remained live and roadblocks would remain in place until the firefighting operation was completed.

The public has been asked to avoid Glenmore, Abernethy, Loch Morlich and the surrounding areas. Homes and businesses, including campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area, were previously evacuated as a safety precaution. The SFRS said six appliances and specialist resources, including all-terrain vehicles, remained on the scene.

Videos from the response on Saturday showed helicopters water-bombing affected areas. Image source, Scottish Fire and Rescue ServiceImage caption, The SFRS said specialist resources, including all-terrain vehicles, remained on siteThe CNPA said helicopter use had been "invaluable" in targeting areas that were harder to reach. Gavin Miles, CNPA director of planning and place, said the surrounding area was likely to be "off limits" for some time.

He added: "The SFRS has indicated that the fire is now largely surrounded. This is, though, still a live situation and teams are still very active on the ground, so we are taking nothing for granted at this stage. "We're really grateful for the continued efforts of everyone helping fight the fire in Glenmore, and for the cooperation of local residents, visitors and businesses at what I know is a very difficult time.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.