Cairngorms wildfire largely surrounded after five days

Firefighters have largely surrounded a major wildfire in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, with officials expressing cautious optimism on Sunday, July 19, 2026, that the worst of the crisis has passed. The blaze, which ignited in heathland near Ryvoan Bothy on Wednesday morning, July 15, has burned approximately four square kilometers of land and prompted evacuations in the Glenmore Forest Park area.

Park authorities said the fire is now largely under control, though crews remain active on the ground tackling hotspots. They indicated that residents and campers directly impacted by the exclusion zone may be able to return to their properties later on Sunday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported significant progress but warned that wildfires can change rapidly and urged against complacency.

The multi-day incident required a substantial coordinated response. At its peak, resources included two helicopters for water-bombing, nine fire appliances, specialist wildfire units, and more than 50 firefighters. Crews used a high-volume pump to draw water from Loch Morlich and worked with landowners to create firebreaks in the challenging terrain.