A helicopter has joined firefighting efforts as crews spend a third day tackling a major wildfire which has led to evacuations in the Cairngorms.
The fire started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning and spread to cover an area of around six kilometres by Thursday afternoon.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts in the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution.
Firefighters worked through the night on Thursday tackling the blaze and six fire engines and specialist resources remained at the scene on Friday morning.
There have been no reports of any casualties.
Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “Emergency services are on the scene and they’re working tirelessly with colleagues from NGOs, local estates and other gamekeepers to put the fire out.
“There’s also a helicopter now on the scene dropping water on the fire, which is going to help.
A helicopter has now been deployed to drop water on the flames (Nick Forbes/PA)PA Wire“The most important thing we can do is let the people on the ground do their job.”
Firefighters say they are facing a “protracted incident” as they seek to prevent the flames spreading to other areas, but they insisted they have “adequate resources” to deal with the incident.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said on Friday it has been a “very distressing and challenging time” in the Cairngorms.
She said: “As I understand it, the fire is currently contained. SFRS are keeping that matter under control at the current time.
“Ministers are receiving regular updates. The Justice Secretary is leading on that matter. I’ve been receiving updates as well, it’s a very concerning time.
“The authorities, as I understand it at the current time, have the fire relatively controlled.
The fire has spread across a large area of Cairngorms National Park (RSPB Scotland/PA)PA Media“They’re monitoring it at all times, and ministers are receiving regular and routine updates in relation to the fire at the front.”
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Justice Secretary Neil Gray, who has responsibility for resilience within his portfolio, said on Thursday: “Public safety is the priority, which is why the decision to evacuate a campsite and various properties has been taken as a precautionary measure.
“I want to thank the firefighters, police, land managers, volunteers and all partners who are doing an outstanding job keeping people, property and the natural environment as safe as possible.
“The Scottish Government continues to monitor the situation closely and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed they have adequate resources committed to this incident.”
Lynne Gow, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander based in the Highlands, said: “I would agree that we have adequate resources. We’re absolutely certain of our practical plan here.”
The RSPB said around 300 hectares of land have been burnt so far.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday (RSPB Scotland/PA)PA MediaThe charity said 27 of its staff and volunteers were out helping fight the blaze earlier in the week, using equipment including all-terrain vehicles with water bowsers, backpack hoses and shovels.
A strict cordon remains in place and people have been warned not to travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing.
Fire service deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin said: “This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions.
“I would also like to thank our partner agencies, landowners and local organisations whose support has been invaluable throughout this response.
“The safety of our communities remains our priority, and we will continue to assess the need for any further evacuations alongside multi-agency partners as the incident progresses.
The fire spread to cover a six kilometre area (Andrew Milligan/PA)PA Wire“The wildfire risk across Scotland remains high.
“We are asking everyone to follow the advice in place, stay away from the affected area and help reduce the risk of further wildfires while our crews continue their work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
The blaze comes while parts of Scotland are at very high risk of wildfire over the next few days.
The fire service, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, has issued wildfire warnings for the central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland.
The alert, warning of a very high risk of wildfire, came into force on Wednesday and lasts until Monday.
It follows days of hot and dry weather in many parts of the country.
Elsewhere, firefighters are tackling a wildfire at Fauldhouse Moor in West Lothian.
They were called to the scene at 5.52pm on Thursday and two fire engines remained at the scene on Friday morning.
There have been no reports of any casualties.