Cairngorms wildfire fight intensifies after rain

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-26 15:30 3 min read

Aerial view of misty Scottish mountains with dense trees at sunset

By the demoduck.co.uk News Desk | Published 26 July 2026

Firefighters are intensifying their attack on the Cairngorms wildfire after overnight rain and lighter winds slowed the fire’s behaviour. The emergency operation entered its twelfth day on Sunday, 26 July, with crews using the improved conditions to target key areas of the incident ground.

The danger has not passed. People in areas affected by smoke should keep all doors and windows closed, while anyone with health concerns is advised to consult NHS Highland.

Rain and lighter winds slow fire behaviour

Heavy rain and low wind during the early hours of Sunday helped restrict further spread, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The change has given crews an opportunity to carry out what the service described as targeted and aggressive firefighting activity.

Particular attention is being paid to the northern edge of the wildfire. Firefighters, partner organisations and volunteers are working there with heavy machinery to prevent the flames from advancing.

Although the weather has helped, emergency teams remain alert across the entire incident ground. Crews are monitoring for flare-ups and are not treating the improved conditions as evidence that the wildfire is under control.

More than 70 firefighters remain at the scene

More than 70 firefighters and nine fire appliances remain involved in the operation. Additional specialist resources are deployed alongside three helicopters carrying out water-bombing runs.

The current deployment is part of a response involving emergency services, partner agencies, volunteers and local communities. More than 500 firefighters, partner-agency staff and community volunteers have taken part in or supported the operation since the fire began on 15 July.

Cairngorms wildfire fight intensifies after rain

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said appropriate resources remained in place to protect affected communities. He described the operation as a large multi-agency response, with volunteers and residents continuing to support efforts to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul remain under watch

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service maintains a visible presence in Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul while work continues around the wildfire’s northern edge. Smoke may also affect places beyond the immediate fire ground, making the advice to close windows and doors relevant wherever smoke is spreading.

Residents can review the preceding guidance on returning home and spreading smoke for context on how conditions around affected properties have changed. Visitors should also remain mindful that emergency resources are still operating across the area.

Officials have not withdrawn the existing smoke precautions. Anyone concerned about the effect of smoke on their health should seek information from NHS Highland.

Significant resources expected into next week

Barbour said the wildfire remained a dynamic and changing incident. The service expects to maintain a significant deployment into the following week, even as crews use the current weather window to make progress in priority areas.

Firefighters and partner teams will continue watching for renewed activity across the incident ground. Barbour thanked the agencies, communities and volunteers that have supported the operation since 15 July and said that assistance was continuing on Sunday.

Source: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The operational figures, affected communities and safety advice were checked against the latest Scottish Fire and Rescue Service statement supplied for this report.

Checks

Confirmed that the incident began on 15 July and entered its twelfth day on 26 July.
Checked the deployment of more than 70 firefighters, nine fire appliances and three helico...
Confirmed the reported operational presence in Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul.
Retained the official advice for people affected by smoke to close doors and windows.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News Check wider coverage