He recognized the broad support received from land managers and local estate staff during the operations.
“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental.
I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment,” Barbour said.
The fire service confirmed that massive resources had been rotated through the site since the start of the blaze.
“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies.
We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required,” Barbour said.
Barbour re-emphasized public safety directives while active operations continue across the park terrain.
“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes.
Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing,” Barbour said.
Local residents described witnessing thick smoke and approaching flames before firebreaks were established.
“We could see the smoke rising and when the wind changed direction we could see the flames – it was pretty scary and felt pretty close although it was still a few kilometres away,” said resident Claire Montague.
Montague observed the vast scale of the fire during a brief return to her property.
