FIREFIGHTERS have managed to “surround” a wildfire in Glenmore as the emergency services continue to fight the blaze for a fifth day.
The wildfire started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and then spread to cover an area of around six kilometres by Thursday afternoon.
Several homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution.
An estimated four square kilometres (1.5 square miles) of ground have been burnt by the fire.
On Saturday evening, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said there were six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Wildfire Support Unit and a water carrier helicopter at the scene.
Water-bombing operations are still taking place in the area.
Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at the Park Authority, said that the news from Glenmore this morning is “very encouraging”, with colleagues from SFRS indicating that the fire has been 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,” he said.
“We’re really grateful for the continued efforts of everyone helping fight the fire in Glenmore, and for the co-operation of local residents, visitors and businesses at what I know is a very difficult time.
“The Ski Road and surrounding areas are likely to be off-limits for some time to come given the sheer number of people and machinery on-site, but we’re hopeful that residents and campers directly impacted by the exclusion zone will be able to gain access later today.”
The Park Authority said there is “growing optimism” that the combined efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers and estate workers from the surrounding area and from other parts of Scotland, RSPB, FLS and Cairngorm Mountain staff, helicopter pilots, local contractors, farmers and others have made a “tangible impact” in containing the blaze.
In a statement, a spokesperson added that it is hoped that local residents and campers impacted by the exclusion zone will be able to gain access to their property and possessions later today.
The Park Authority confirmed that roadblocks will remain in place for the time being.
Over the last 24 hours, areas including Strathnethy on the western and eastern flanks have seen improvement.
SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys said: “We hope this update provides reassurance to local residents and communities.
“However, it is equally important that expectations are managed given the unpredictable nature of wildfire incidents and the ongoing influence of weather conditions.
“We would like to thank the partnership working of landowners and agencies and our local communities for their continued patience and co-operation throughout this incident.”
Police Scotland said people displaced by the fire who need to return to the exclusion zone around the fire need to register at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort in Aviemore between 10am and noon on Sunday or call 01349 886691.
Police said they will be contacted when the zone is considered safe to enter.
