Glenmore wildfire eases but access stays closed

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-21 11:27 3 min read

A large hillside fire producing thick white smoke above a scorched landscape with utility vehicles.

Firefighters reported significant progress at the Glenmore wildfire on Sunday evening, but warned that conditions in Cairngorms National Park remain unpredictable. The affected area is still closed to visitors, the Cairngorm Ski Road remains shut at Coylumbridge, and displaced residents must register before attempting to return.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued its latest assessment at 6pm on 19 July, the fifth consecutive day of the response. Crews are continuing to monitor the fire and intervene where required as weather and ground conditions develop.

Six appliances and specialist units remain at Glenmore

Six fire appliances are currently deployed alongside two all-terrain vehicles, a Wildfire Support Unit and a water carrier. Helicopter water-bombing operations are also supporting firefighters working across the affected ground.

The service said visible improvements are becoming increasingly evident. It is working with other agencies and landowners to consolidate that progress while keeping resources available for changes in fire behaviour.

The presence of specialist vehicles is particularly relevant in the national park terrain, where crews may need to reach areas away from conventional roads. The source did not give a size for the affected area or say when the incident would be brought under control.

Conditions have improved since Saturday

Sunday’s report builds on progress recorded during the previous 24 hours. At 6pm on Saturday, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said conditions on both the eastern flank, including Strathnethy, and the western flank had improved markedly.

Saturday’s assessment described the situation as dynamic, with wind strength, wind direction and warmer afternoon temperatures influencing fire behaviour. The period from 3pm to 6.30pm had been identified as the most challenging part of the day.

Although the latest report is more encouraging, the service has not declared the area safe or issued an all-clear. Wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and crews are continuing to watch conditions closely.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said expectations still needed to be managed because of the unpredictable nature of wildfire incidents and the continuing influence of weather. He also thanked landowners, partner agencies and local communities for their cooperation.

Visitors must continue to avoid the closed area

The Glenmore area remains closed to visitors. The Cairngorm Ski Road, designated C7, is closed at Coylumbridge, and Police Scotland has asked people to stay away unless they have been contacted through the authorised return process.

These restrictions remain in force despite the improved conditions. Visitors should not treat signs of progress as permission to approach the fire ground, use the closed road or enter the exclusion zone.

Displaced residents must register before returning

Local residents and other people displaced by the wildfire who need to return to the exclusion zone should call 01349 886691 and register their details. Police Scotland says they will then be contacted when entry is considered safe.

No general reopening time has been announced. The next confirmed step for anyone waiting to return is direct contact after the authorities determine that access to the exclusion zone can be permitted safely.

Source: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News

Context & actions About this article

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This report separates the confirmed 19 July position from the earlier operational context published on 18 July.

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Confirmed the latest status against the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service update issued at...
Matched the deployed appliances, specialist vehicles and helicopter support to the officia...
Kept the visitor closure and Cairngorm Ski Road restriction distinct from the process for...
Retained the official Police Scotland registration number and avoided stating an unconfirm...

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