Swinney requests UK military aid as 500 firefighters tackle Cairngorms wildfire | Wildfires
Scotland’s first minister has requested military assistance from the UK government as more than 500 firefighters continue to battle a blaze in the Cairngorms national park that has raged for the past 10 days and forced the evacuation of homes in the remote area.
John Swinney said the fire remained a “major and serious” incident but Saturday afternoon brought a “better picture”.
He said: “A request has been made to the UK government today for military assistance with air support which can be used to supplement existing resources being used to fight the bushfire in the Cairngorms and we are awaiting a response.”
Nethy Bridge residents were taken to a private retreat center at the Macdonald Aviemore hotel. Access roads were closed due to fear that the fire was heading towards the village.
Swinney said earlier in the day that changing wind conditions were “accelerating the speed at which the bushfire spreads”, adding that the Scottish fire and rescue service (SFRS) was focusing its resources on extinguishing the fire.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have worked so hard to contain this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. “I am in constant communication with SFRS, partners and SGORR. [the Scottish government resilience room] “We will gather again,” he said.
A forest fire broke out near the village of Glenmore on July 15, prompting the evacuation of residents and campsites. It covered an area of shrubs and small trees about 6 square miles (6 square kilometers) at its height, and its smoke drifted as far as Aberdeen, about 60 miles (97 km) from where the fire started.
Senior emergency service officials said more than 500 firefighters, as well as specialist bushfire vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water bombing operations and partner agencies, were mobilized to fight the blaze.
They added that firefighters “continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Lands Scotland, the Cairngorms national park authority, landowners, land rangers and emergency service partners.” “Their expertise, local knowledge and support helped the crew respond to this complex and dynamic incident.”
On Saturday morning Police Scotland chief Judy Hill said: “This situation has been further complicated by the weather conditions experienced in the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours. With evidence showing the fire spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision was taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.”
On Saturday, SFRA also warned residents of Tomintoul, about 10 miles (16 km) east of Nethy Bridge, to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke from the fire.
