Nethy Bridge stays guarded as wildfire attack intensifies

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-26 15:28 3 min read

Firefighter silhouette stands against a dramatic, smoky and glowing orange wildfire sky.

Firefighters are intensifying their attack on the Cairngorms wildfire after heavy rain and low winds created a crucial operational window on Sunday, 26 July.

More than 70 firefighters, nine fire appliances and specialist resources remain at the scene as the emergency enters its twelfth day. Three helicopters are supporting crews with water-bombing operations.

Residents in affected communities and areas reached by smoke are still being advised to keep windows and doors closed. Anyone concerned about the effects of smoke should follow the guidance available from NHS Highland.

More than 70 firefighters remain deployed

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service maintained a substantial presence overnight before beginning targeted firefighting work in the improved conditions.

Ground crews are working with partner agencies and volunteers using heavy machinery along the northern edge of the incident. Their immediate aim is to prevent the fire from spreading further while rain and lighter winds continue to restrict its behaviour.

Firefighters also remain visibly deployed in Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul. The operation includes nine appliances, additional specialist resources and three helicopters dropping water on areas of the fire.

More than 500 firefighters, partner-agency staff and community volunteers have taken part in or supported the response since the incident began on 15 July. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour described it as a continuing large-scale, multi-agency operation focused on protecting nearby communities.

Rain and low winds slow the fire’s spread

Heavy rain and calmer conditions during the early hours of Sunday helped slow fire behaviour and limit further spread. Crews are using that change to concentrate resources on key areas, particularly at the northern end of the incident ground.

The improved weather does not mean the emergency is over. SFRS personnel and partner teams are continuing to monitor the wider area for flare-ups, and the incident remains dynamic.

Nethy Bridge stays guarded as wildfire attack intensifies

Barbour said crews intended to make an impact while the conditions allowed, but stressed that emergency teams were not becoming complacent. The combination of aerial water drops, ground operations and heavy machinery reflects the scale of work still required to contain the fire safely.

Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul remain under watch

The continuing presence in Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul is intended to reassure residents while crews work across the incident ground. Previous developments affecting the community, including the point when Nethy Bridge residents were allowed home, show why emergency resources have remained in place even as conditions changed.

SFRS said partners, volunteers and local people were continuing to work together. Barbour thanked everyone who had supported the response during the prolonged incident.

Smoke precautions remain in force

People living in affected areas, or places currently experiencing smoke, should keep every window and door closed. The advice remains active despite the rainfall and reduced fire spread.

Smoke has also been a concern beyond the immediate incident ground, with earlier reporting covering the possibility of Cairngorms smoke moving towards Aberdeen. Anyone worried about smoke exposure should consult NHS Highland guidance.

Significant resources expected into next week

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service expects the operation to continue beyond the weekend. Crews will maintain surveillance across the fire ground while concentrating their attack where weather conditions offer the best opportunity.

Barbour said: “We expect to be in attendance with significant resources into next week.”

Source: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The deployment figures, affected communities, weather conditions and safety advice were drawn from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service update dated 26 July 2026.

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Confirmed the incident began on 15 July and had entered its twelfth day.
Checked the stated deployment of more than 70 firefighters, nine appliances and three heli...
Matched the community references to Nethy Bridge and Tomintoul.
Retained the official advice to keep windows and doors closed in smoke-affected areas.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service News Check wider reporting