Emergency services have brought a 12-day wildfire in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park under control.
Evacuated residents in Nethy Bridge have been allowed to return to their homes.
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Authorities lifted a major incident declaration on July 25, 2026.
Fire Response and Progress
The blaze originated near Glenmore on July 15 and swept across approximately 2.3 square miles of heather and small trees.
Over 500 firefighters tackled the fire alongside specialist wildfire units, water-bombing helicopters, and local gamekeepers.
Changing winds had pushed flames toward populated areas, prompting temporary evacuation orders.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney confirmed the progress following a government resilience committee meeting.
He noted that emergency resources will remain deployed in the region until the fire is entirely extinguished.
“Ministers will continue to be updated on the fire and resources and services will remain until the fire is out,” Swinney said.
Swinney emphasized that the government was prioritizing the emergency response to ensure complete containment.
“This wildfire is being treated with the utmost seriousness and necessary resources will be in place until the last flames are out,” he said.
Emergency crews successfully constructed firebreaks to protect nearby villages.
“Efforts to tackle the wildfire in the Cairngorms are in their 10th day, and changeable weather conditions have presented a range of challenges for those on the ground.
I praise their resilience and tireless efforts to bring it under control,” Swinney said.
Swinney reiterated that officials will maintain full support for the area throughout the final stages of the response.
