Issued by Police Scotland
Police Scotland continues to support the multi-agency response to the significant wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
Efforts to tackle the fire continue today with firefighting activity and ground works to create fire breaks, as well as helicopter activity for water bombing. Due to this ongoing work, localised road and access closures remain in place.
Road closures that remain in place:
- C7 (Ski Road)
- Forest Lodge access road
- Lettoch Road
- Dorback
Walking routes that remain closed:
- Around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish
- Low level routes including Old Logging Way, routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More
- Within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy
There are no further planned closures, however this remains under review should fire activity change.
Due to the changing weather conditions, it is possible for the smell of smoke to be detected in other areas, including Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen. Follow NHS Highland for public health advice.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney said: “This has been a significant incident for the emergency services, landowners and the local community and we understand the concern around this fire as it enters the third week. I am extremely grateful to the community and volunteers for their continued support, at what has been a very difficult time.
“We are aware of the impact road and access closures have on the local community and businesses and want to reassure that we will reopen roads as soon as it is safe to do so. The closures in place are to protect public safety while work continues, particularly with heavy machinery moving around to create further fire breaks. It is expected that the road and access closures will remain in place this week.
“As this incident remains an ongoing emergency response, I would also like to remind drone pilots that the area is a restricted area. Drones should also not be piloted in any areas currently restricted for public access.”