Scottish Government asks for military help to tackle Cairngorms wildfire

JOHN Swinney has asked for the army to be drafted in to help firefighters tackle a blaze raging across the Cairngorms. The ferocious wildfire has been burning since last Wednesday and has seen hundreds of people forced to flee their homes. The wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park has been raging since last Wednesday Credit: PA The ten-day inferno has seen hundreds of people evacuated from their homes Credit: AFP Over 500 firefighters and specialist units have been called in to tackle the blaze in the national park – with fire chiefs even calling on anyone with heavy machinery to come forward to help them stop the inferno from spreading. The First Minister has now called for military aircraft to be deployed to back up fire crews – who say they are making progress in containing the blaze. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He said: “The latest update I received on the situation in the Cairngorms shows an improved picture, however, as we have already seen, events can change very quickly due to the weather conditions. I would like to again thank the fire service, police and local partners for their efforts. “This remains a major and serious incident, so it is still extremely important that people follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park – it is essential people avoid the affected areas for safety reasons and to allow responders to focus on tackling the wildfire. “A request has been made today to the UK Government for military assistance in aerial support that can be used to supplement existing resources that are being deployed to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire and we await a response.” Police Scotland declared a major incident after the inferno forced the total evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as the blaze moved closer to homes. Homes just north-west of Dorback Lodge (Lain Thatchan) have also been evacuated. Parts of Aberdeenshire and Moray have been urged to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke from the huge inferno. Most read in The Sun Over 500 firefighters have been scrambled to help contain the blaze Credit: PA A major incident has been declared over the wildfire Credit: AFP “The situation in the Cairngorms National Park continues to present challenges to the emergency services. The wind has abated slightly compared to yesterday, but there remains a risk to the area of Nethy Bridge. “Additional resources were deployed to the area and police have spoken to residents at every property in the exclusion zone. “Some people attended the designated respite centre while others have made alternative arrangements. Those directly affected are being updated regarding when they may be able to return to their homes. “I understand this remains a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible. Police have closed down several roads around the blaze Credit: PA Fire crews and forestry workers have been tackling the inferno for over a week Credit: PA Nethy Bridge was evacuated as the fire got closer to homes Credit: PA Fire chiefs say there has been some progress in containing the blaze Credit: PA “I would encourage people to turn to official sources for advice and information.” Fire chiefs say they are making good progress in containing the wildfire alongside forestry and national park workers. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident. “The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. “Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response. The Scottish Government has made a request for military help Credit: Alamy John Swinney asked the UK Government for military aircraft to be called in Credit: PA “Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment. “More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required. “We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. “Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.” Comment now