First Minister John Swinney has said the Cairngorms National Park wildfire is still a “very serious situation”.
Police Scotland declared a major incident on Friday night and homes around Nethy Bridge were evacuated as a precaution after changes in wind conditions accelerated the spread of the wildfire.
The Scottish Government said a fire break around the village was established overnight, and new breaks are being constructed as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deploys additional resources.
Police said more residents were evacuated in a small area of properties north-west of Dorback Lodge (Lain Thatchan) on Saturday morning as a precaution.
A wildfire burning in the Cairngorms National Park (RSPB Scotland/PA)PA MediaThe Scottish Government reconvened a response meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) at 7am to review the position on the wildfire.
“This continues to be a very serious situation,” The First Minister said.
“Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.
“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village.
“Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.
“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least.
“Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.”
The First Minister said such situations can change “very quickly and dramatically”, reflecting the challenges faced by SFRS and the other responders.
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“It does not mean, however, that anyone should return to that area until they been given the go-ahead to do so,” Mr Swinney said.
“Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Group will also reconvene.”
The First Minister said he was “extremely grateful” to the emergency services and all those involved in tackling the fire.
He reiterated that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park.
“It is essential people avoid the affected areas,” Mr Swinney said.
The Scottish Government’s response meeting was attended by several ministers and representatives from emergency services, including SFRS and Police Scotland.