Nethy Bridge evacuated as Cairngorms fire risk remains

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-25 14:50 3 min read

Large wildfire burning intensely on a mountain ridge at night near Nethy Bridge.

Every property in Nethy Bridge has been evacuated as emergency services continue their response to the large fire within Cairngorms National Park.

Police Scotland declared a major incident on Friday, 24 July 2026, after a change in the weather. The force said the wind had eased slightly compared with the previous day, but a risk to Nethy Bridge remained.

Residents and visitors must continue to avoid affected parts of the national park. Active firefighting, changing fire conditions and helicopter movements mean the restricted area remains unsafe.

Evacuated homes and the Aviemore respite centre

All properties in Nethy Bridge have now been evacuated. Homes in a small area north-west of Dorback Lodge, identified as Lain Thatchan, are also being evacuated as a precaution.

Displaced residents are being directed to the designated respite centre at MacDonald Aviemore Resort. Police said some residents had gone to the centre while others had made their own arrangements.

Officers have spoken to residents at every property within the exclusion zone. Those directly affected are being updated about when they may be able to return home.

There are currently no plans to evacuate further areas. Police and partner agencies are preparing for that possibility, however, should conditions change or the fire threaten other nearby communities.

Smoke warning extends beyond the national park

People in affected areas, including communities experiencing smoke across Aberdeenshire and Moray, have been told to keep windows and doors closed. Anyone concerned about the effects of smoke should consult guidance issued by NHS Highland.

The warning covers communities beyond the immediate firefighting area because smoke is spreading across a wider part of the region. Further context is available in the Cairngorms smoke warning for Aberdeen.

Nethy Bridge evacuated as Cairngorms fire risk remains

Residents should continue following instructions from Police Scotland and the emergency services as conditions may change.

Paths and mountain approaches remain restricted

Access restrictions remain in place around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish. Low-level paths affected include the Old Logging Way and routes leading towards Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch, Strath Nethy and Bynack More.

Paths through Abernethy Forest, south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy, are also affected. Visitors should check the continuing Cairngorms wildfire route closures and stay away from operational areas.

The restrictions are intended to protect the public and allow firefighters, police, heavy machinery and aircraft to work safely. Emergency services have now identified enough plant and heavy equipment, so no additional machinery is being requested.

Emergency planning remains active

Additional resources have been deployed as the multi-agency operation continues. Superintendent Judy Hill said the incident was still presenting challenges and acknowledged the concern facing residents, businesses and visitors across the Cairngorms region.

Police will continue updating evacuated households about access to their homes. Plans are also in place should a change in conditions require other nearby areas to be evacuated.

Members of the public have been asked not to enter closed areas or approach the emergency response. Police Scotland’s instruction is to rely on official sources for advice and further updates.

Source: Police Scotland News

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Evacuation, shelter, smoke and access information was checked against Police Scotland's 24 July 2026 major-incident update.

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