Overview
- The wildfire that began on July 15 was declared a major incident after a change in wind on Friday caused rapid flare-ups and the fire to move towards Nethy Bridge.
- Police ordered a precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge and some nearby properties and set up a respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort for displaced residents.
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has led a sustained multi‑agency response with more than 500 firefighters, helicopter water‑bombing and specialist appliances while requesting heavy plant to build firebreaks in inaccessible ground.
- Smoke from the blaze drifted across north‑east Scotland, triggering local smoke advisories and health guidance to stay indoors and close windows in affected communities.
- Residents have expressed anger over communication and the pace of the response, the Scottish Government reconvened its Resilience Room, and officials warn the dry weather and strong winds could prolong the incident and strain national firefighting resources.