Helicopter involved in tackling major Cairngorms wildfire

• A major wildfire , which began on Wednesday morning near Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms , has led to the evacuation of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, after burning approximately four square kilometres of heathland.
• Over 50 firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), supported by nine appliances, specialist resources, and a helicopter conducting water-bombing operations, are tackling the blaze, pumping water from Loch Morlich to aid efforts.
• Scottish Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray confirmed the fire is currently contained and relatively controlled, with adequate resources committed, though SFRS describes it as a "protracted incident" with no casualties reported.
• The incident occurs amidst a "very high" wildfire risk across parts of Scotland, with warnings issued for the central Highlands, southern and eastern regions until Monday, following a period of hot and dry weather.
• A strict cordon remains in place, with the public advised to avoid Glenmore Forest Park and surrounding areas, while firefighters are also simultaneously dealing with separate wildfires in West Lothian and Fife.

IN FULL

Helicopter deployed as firefighters spend third day tackling Cairngorms wildfire