Rain brings hope of relief for crews fighting Cairngorms wildfire

Rain brings hope of relief for crews fighting Cairngorms wildfireImage source, Ronan Dugan/WildLand LtdImage caption, Firefighters and volunteers have been tackling the wildfire after it broke out on 15 JulyBySteven McKenzieHighlands and Islands reporterPublished28 July 2026, 11:13 BSTUpdated 48 minutes agoThere is hope that heavy rainfall will help efforts to tackle a wildfire that has been burning in the Cairngorms for two weeks.About 70 firefighters and nine fire appliances remain at the scene, 13 days after the start of the fire that has burned through about 10 sq miles (25 sq km) - and saw some homes in Nethy Bridge evacuated at the weekend.Sandy McCook, Nethy Bridge Community Council chairman, said it was hoped rain that has been falling since Monday night would make a "huge difference".The Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA) said progress was being made in tackling the wildfire, but added helicopters would likely continue to water bomb hotspots on Tuesday.CNPA said people should avoid the Glenmore, Abernethy and Loch Morlich areas because they were unsafe due to the firefighting operation.Minister defends decision to reject UK military help to fight wildfirePublished22 hours ago'Welcome progress' made in tackling Cairngorms wildfirePublished1 day agoDays of dry and windy weather have made conditions challenging for fire crews and volunteers tackling flames burning across peatland moors and in woodland.McCook said residents in Nethy Bridge hoped a change in the weather would help efforts to tackle remaining hotspots.He said: "The overnight and continuing rain today will undoubtedly make a huge difference to the firefighting."McCook added: "There is a distinct smell of smoke around but that will be from the rain and lack of wind."The community council has helped to raise more than £50,500 from donations to cover the costs of meals for firefighters and volunteers.Image source, Steve Kenyon Roberts/Deeside Gliding Club...