Update issued by Police Scotland at 3.40pm on Sunday 26 July 2026.
A significant response remains ongoing for the fire in Cairngorms National Park.
Following a further change in the weather and extensive work by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, partners and volunteers, people were able to return to Nethy Bridge on the evening of Saturday, 25 July, 2026.
An information point within Nethy Bridge community centre is available for anyone who needs assistance or advice.
Highland Council’s out of hours team remains on standby for emergency housing support and can be contacted on 01349 886691. For more information visit: Emergency contacts - Who to contact in an emergency - Highland Council
NHS Highland continue to support vulnerable people and those with care needs. Anyone with health concerns should contact NHS 24 by calling 111.
Superintendent Judy Hill said: "Police continue to respond to protect and support the people affected and we will maintain a significant presence in the area for some time to come. Anyone with concerns can approach these officers, who are there to help.
"This is a concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the area. I would like to reassure people living across Badenoch and Strathspey area, as well as Moray, that dynamic plans remain in place and the situation is continually monitored.
"Substantial resources from police and partners, including three helicopters today, are still being deployed to the area. We remain fully committed to supporting our SFRS colleagues in bringing this incident to safe conclusion as soon as possible.
"Please follow advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services and turn to official sources for information."
The advice is to continue to keep windows and doors closed in the immediate area but also in wider areas where the smoke is drifting. Please visit NHS Scotland.
The C7 (Ski Road), Forest Lodge Access Road, Lettoch Road and Dorback remain closed.
Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.
The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
- Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
- Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A' Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
- Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.