Nethy Bridge residents return as wildfire eases

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-26 09:44 3 min read

Aerial view of a misty Scottish mountain landscape with forest and golden light

By the demoduck.co.uk News Desk, based on information from Scottish Government News.

Residents evacuated from Nethy Bridge because of the Cairngorms wildfire have been advised that it is safe to return home. Police Scotland has also lifted its Major Incident declaration after fire crews reported stronger protective fire breaks and fewer hot spots.

The return marks a clear change from the earlier evacuation period, when residents were asked to remain away while the direction and intensity of the fire posed a potential risk to homes. Officials stressed that firefighting operations are continuing and the public should still avoid the affected area.

Residents cleared to return to Nethy Bridge

The evacuation was precautionary, intended to protect residents while emergency teams assessed changing conditions and worked to defend residential areas. The latest advice means those affected can now go home, although it does not signal the end of the incident.

First Minister John Swinney welcomed the development after chairing a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room. He said the operation had reached its tenth day and praised crews for continuing their work through changeable weather.

The lifting of the Major Incident declaration reflects the improved position around Nethy Bridge. The Scottish Government, emergency services and other authorities will nevertheless continue treating the Cairngorms wildfire as an active emergency until the remaining flames are extinguished.

Fire breaks strengthened as hot spots decline

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported good progress in strengthening fire breaks intended to protect residential areas. These cleared or reinforced strips help separate burning vegetation from places that crews need to defend. The service also recorded a reduction in the number of hot spots.

Nethy Bridge residents return as wildfire eases

Two helicopters have supported the response, with each aircraft dropping between 20,000 and 40,000 litres of water an hour over affected ground. The figures indicate the scale of the continuing operation despite the improved conditions reported near the evacuated community.

Local support has also contributed to the response. An appeal for plant machinery was answered quickly, according to the First Minister, and authorities said no additional equipment was required at that stage.

Firefighting operation remains active

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin joined the resilience meeting alongside representatives from the fire service, Police Scotland, Highland Council and Cairngorms National Park.

Authorities continue to ask visitors and other members of the public to stay away from the wildfire area. This is intended both to protect people from hazards and to leave access clear for crews, aircraft and machinery working at the scene.

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room is due to meet again the following day to review conditions, available resources and the remaining firefighting work.

Source: Scottish Government News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The report was checked against the Scottish Government’s account of the evacuation decision and continuing emergency response.

Checks

Confirmed that Nethy Bridge residents were advised they could return home.
Confirmed that Police Scotland lifted the Major Incident declaration.
Checked the reported reduction in hot spots and progress on protective fire breaks.
Retained the official warning for the public to avoid the affected area.

Scottish Government News Check wider coverage