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'Apocalyptic' damage as Cairngorms wildfire burns for two weeks

Steven McKenzie,Highlands and Islands reporterand
Eileen Macdonald,BBC Scotland News
RSPB Scotland A person wearing a yellow protective coat and a face covering uses a pick to break up burning peat and vegetation at Abernethy Nature Reserve.RSPB Scotland
The fire has burned through about 10 sq miles of moorland and woodland

A wildfire that has burned for two weeks in the Cairngorms National Park has left an "apocalyptic" scene of devastation, say park bosses.

The fire has destroyed about 10 sq miles (25 sq km) of moorland and forestry near Aviemore since Wednesday 15 July.

Malcolm Smith, farming advisor to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), said: "You are passing through just bare forest now and birds flying about looking for their nests."

RSPB Scotland, whose Loch Garten reserve at Abernethy has been badly burned, said it could takes weeks before the fire was extinguished.

The fire broke out near the village of Glenmore, outside Aviemore, on 15 July and led to residents and campsites being evacuated.

At its height, more than 500 firefighters were involved in the response and Police Scotland declared it a "major incident" on Friday.

Paul Turner/RSPB Scotland The eggs are cracked and show scorch marks. They are lying in area of burned heather.Paul Turner/RSPB Scotland
The remains of wild birds' eggs in an area of burned heather at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Reserve at Abernethy

Dozens of firefighters helped by volunteers, including gamekeepers and estate works, and water bombing by helicopters are continuing to tackle hotspots.

It is hoped that cooler weather and rain will help prevent a further spread of flames.

Smith said the impact on the landscape was "heartbreaking".

"It is a really sad sight," he added.

"You are used to these beautiful mountains all summer and seeing them covered in snow in winter.

"To see the fires getting up to where people ski you really wouldn't have thought that was possible."

Smith praised local communities for supporting firefighters, farmers and other volunteers.

RSPB Scotland A drone image showing a bright zig-zag line of fire on a hillside at night. Thick smoke rises from the flames.RSPB Scotland
Firefighters supported by volunteers have been tackling a wildfire in the Cairngorms since 15 July. This image was taken on 17 July
RSPB Scotland A person wearing a cap, face covering and a protective jacket sprays water on to flames burning across an area of moorlandRSPB Scotland
RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten reserve at Abernethy has been among areas badly affected.

RSPB Scotland said its Loch Garten reserve was home to 5,000 species, and insects, reptiles along with trees, lichens and mosses had been killed.

The charity's James Reynolds said the wildfire had left a 6,177-acre (2,500ha) burn scar and the sight of it was "ugly and upsetting".

He said: "This is still very much a live situation.

"There are smouldering points - hotspots - in the soil which is quite peaty and when the wind get up that reignites and there are flames again."

Reynolds said it could be "weeks or more" before the wildfire was finally extinguished. "We are praying for rain," he added.

RSPB Scotland said affected habitats should recover, but it was not known how long that would take.

Is more rain on the way for the Cairngorms?
RSPB Scotland A small all-terrain vehicle with fires burning along a hillside.RSPB Scotland
A Cairngorms National Park Authority farming advisor has described the fire as "apocalyptic"
RSPB Scotland Three people with firefighting equipment in smoke during the firefighting effort earlier this month.RSPB Scotland
The fire has come during a period of dry, warm weather and strong winds

The Scottish Fire and Rescue (SFRS) said it was not yet known what started the wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy, a mountain shelter close to An Lochain Uaine - the Green Lochan.

Michael Humphreys, deputy assistant chief officer, said crews from across Scotland had been involved in a firefighting operation in "very challenging" terrain.

He said dealing with and monitoring for hotspots and flare ups could continue for weeks.

Michael Humphreys, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, outlines the challenges of tackling the wildfire in the Cairngorms

Some local groups had been critical of the Scottish government for being slow in scaling up the response to the blaze.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said he had "nothing but praise" for the fire service, police partners and volunteers for their "tireless work" in tackling the wildfire.

He said the local community had pulled together to support the firefighting effort.

Gray added: "The Scottish government is engaging with businesses in the local area to gather information on impacts as we move into the recovery phase to assess what immediate medium and long term support is needed."

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said it was "very proud" of the role its members were playing.

A spokesman said: "The gamekeeper teams who pledged to keep the village of Tomintoul safe with equipment, skill and manpower at a time when the response was stretched in different directions, are worthy of mention.

"They, and others, fighting the fire in different areas such as Glenmore - over many days - deserve credit."

Thurso Community Fire Station Smoke rises from fire-damaged ground and trees in the Cairngorms.Thurso Community Fire Station
Thurso Community Fire Station at the site of the wildfire where it burned through woodland.
Comrie Community Fire Station A firefighter searches for hotspots in an area of fire damaged woodland in the Cairngorms. Grey ash covers the ground.Comrie Community Fire Station
Comrie Community Fire Station were among crews from across Scotland to assist in the firefighting effort. Their firefighters came across badly damaged woodland
RSPB Scotland Two people wearing bright orange overalls walk across a scorched, smoking hillside.RSPB Scotland
Two people involved in the firefighting operation walk across a scorched, smoking hillside at Ryvoan, Abernethy, on 19 July.