A wildfire continues to burn in Cairngorms National Park, sending thick smoke across large parts of Aberdeenshire and into Aberdeen city on Friday, July 24.
Changing weather conditions have pushed the smoke eastward, reducing visibility near Nethy Bridge and along the A9 highway.
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The active fire front is spreading through a large area of heather east of Ryvoan Bothy.
Emergency services have deployed six fire appliances, a Command Support Unit, specialized wildfire units, and water-bombing helicopters to create fire breaks and contain the blaze.
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Local authorities have advised residents in eastern Aviemore, Inverurie, Banchory, Kintore, and Aberdeen city to keep doors and windows closed as a safety precaution.
The smoke is drifting in an easterly direction due to shifting winds.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews and specialist resources remain at the scene of the wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.”
He noted that progress is being made, but wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
Emergency officials highlighted that shifting wind strength and direction frequently cause reignitions and flare-ups across the fire front.
“The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction,” Humphreys stated.
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Response personnel are working alongside partner agencies to dampen remaining hot spots throughout the zone.
