Efforts to contain Cairngorms wildfire continue

Firefighting continues in the Cairngorms National Park to contain the fire that began on 15 July. Efforts led by emergency services and supported by RSPB staff, local volunteers, gamekeepers and estate staff, neighbouring landowners, Cairngorms Connect partners and others have now been ongoing for more than three weeks.

There has been encouraging progress over the last week, particularly with support from helicopters. However, hotspots remain and the situation can change quickly depending on weather conditions. It may be some time before we can be confident the fire is fully extinguished. Bringing the fire under control as quickly as possible is the priority to minimise the impact on people locally who are bearing economic and social disruption, and of course the wildlife which is enormously precious. 

RSPB Abernethy is an incredible place for nature, supporting more than 5,000 species including some of the UK's rarest and most threatened wildlife. Its importance is recognised not just on a UK level but an international one by many protected area designations. While the fire is still active, it is too early to understand the full impact on the incredible nature here. Some species are likely to have found refuge, but many species which are less mobile may be more significantly impacted. 

Although the damage is significant, nature is resilient. The rate and extent of recovery will be variable, some areas will regenerate and recover more quickly, other areas may take decades or longer to recover. Currently, the priority remains the safety of affected people and communities. Once it is safe to do so, we will be working closely with our partners to assess the environmental impact and do all we can to help wildlife recover. 

Public safety remains the highest priority. We continue to urge everyone to adhere to the guidance of the emergency services. Hotspots, smoke, dangerous trees, unstable ground and other hazards could pose a threat to safety. As more areas become open for public access again, we will be working carefully with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and other agencies to support the local community and visitors to safely access the landscape.

Information about public access across the park can be found on the Cairngorms National Park Authority website.

RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre remains closed as teams dedicate efforts to managing the fire.  

Extreme weather is increasing the scale, intensity, and frequency of wildfires in Scotland and further afield. Rising temperatures, caused by climate change, are contributing to hotter, drier conditions which increase the likelihood of destructive wildfires.

We work hard to reduce this risk across our nature reserves, and much of the wildlife restoration we undertake can deliver benefits for wildfire resilience. However, we recognise the risk is increasing and all land managers will need to continue adapting.

While the risk of wildfires is increasing, the spark that starts a wildfire is almost always linked to activity by people. Many wildfires are preventable; raising awareness, encouraging responsible behaviour and helping people understand the consequences of wildfires are part of the solution. 

The immense support is a testament to the deep care we all share for this amazing landscape. We are hugely grateful to all the staff, volunteers, local businesses and members of the community who have stood together in an incredible effort to tackle the fire. Thank you in particular to the teams on the ground including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, local estates, gamekeepers, Forestry and Land Scotland, Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorms Connect partners and others.