Firefighters remain locked in a major operation to contain the devastating wildfire in the Cairngorms, with more than 75 firefighters still tackling the blaze as emergency services enter the 12th day of the incident.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said heavy rain and lighter winds during the early hours of Sunday 26 July had helped slow the fire’s behaviour and limit its spread.
Despite the improved weather conditions, a significant emergency response remains in place, with crews continuing targeted and aggressive firefighting operations across the affected area.
More than 75 firefighters, nine fire appliances and specialist resources remain on scene, supported by three helicopters carrying out water-bombing operations.
Firefighters are also working alongside partner agencies and community volunteers using heavy machinery along the northern edge of the wildfire in an effort to prevent it spreading further.
A visible emergency service presence remains in both Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul.
The wildfire, which first broke out on 15 July, has become one of Scotland’s largest and longest-running wildfire incidents this summer.
Since the incident began, more than 500 firefighters, partner agency personnel and community volunteers have either taken part in or supported the response.
In an update issued on Sunday afternoon, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Emergency services are continuing an intensive operation to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire, following heavy rain and low wind conditions in the early hours this morning.
“We maintained a significant presence on scene overnight, supported by partner agencies and volunteers.
“The weather conditions have helped slow fire behaviour and limit further spread, and crews are undertaking targeted and aggressive firefighting activity.”
While the recent rainfall has provided crews with some relief, the fire service warned the incident remains ongoing and specialist resources will continue working until the wildfire has been fully contained.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service thanked partner agencies, volunteers and local communities for their continued support throughout the prolonged emergency response.
Originally published by UKNIP.
