Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCraig MeighanFriday 24 July 2026 23:21 BSTCairngorms wildfire: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to maintain ‘significant operational response’Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to battle a significant wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.The blaze's behaviour has become increasingly unpredictable due to changing weather conditions, including stronger winds, leading to concerns it is spreading towards Nethy Bridge.Homes around Nethy Bridge have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, with residents directed to a respite centre and access roads closed.Over 500 firefighters, specialist resources, and helicopter water-bombing operations have been involved since the wildfire was first reported on 15 July.First Minister John Swinney urged the public to respect exclusion zones, noting that the fire's direction has worsened due to weather changes, with smoke reaching as far as Aberdeen.In fullCairngorms wildfire: Police declare major incident as nearby homes evacuatedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in