Evacuated villagers in Cairngorms allowed home after wildfire threat lifts

A firefighter tackling the major wildfire, which started in the Cairngorms on Wednesday 15 July. Photograph: RSPB Scotland/PA View image in fullscreen A firefighter tackling the major wildfire, which started in the Cairngorms on Wednesday 15 July. Photograph: RSPB Scotland/PA Evacuated villagers in Cairngorms allowed home after wildfire threat lifts Scottish first minister thanks Nethy Bridge residents and aid workers after earlier requesting UK military aid to fight 10-day fire Residents of Nethy Bridge have been told they can return to their homes after a large fire broke out in the Cairngorms national park. Supt Judy Hill of Police Scotland said: “Thanks to the efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers, contractors, partners and many others over the past 24 hours, there is no longer the immediate threat which prompted the evacuation of properties in Nethy Bridge. “We are grateful to the community for their support and understanding in what has been a period of concern and disruption.” Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, welcomed the news, saying: “Efforts to tackle the wildfire in the Cairngorms are in their 10th day, and changeable weather conditions have presented a range of challenges for those on the ground. UK in ‘firewave’ as extreme heat provides ideal conditions for wildfires, experts warn Residents of Nethy Bridge were taken to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore hotel. Access roads were closed amid fears the fire was heading for the village. Just before 11pm on Saturday residents were told they could return home. Swinney had said earlier in the day that changing wind conditions had “intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, adding that the Scottish fire and rescue service (SFRS) was focusing its resources on creating a firebreak. View image in fullscreen Changing wind conditions have intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire. Photograph: SFRSView image in fullscreen More than 500 firefighters were mobilised over the course of the incident to deal with the blaze alongside specialist services. Photograph: SFRSThe wildfire, which broke out near the village of Glenmore on 15 July, led to residents and campsites being evacuated. It covered an area of about 6 sq km (2.3 sq miles) of heather and small trees at its height and its smoke drifted as far as Aberdeen, about 60 miles (97km) from where the fire started. Claire Montague, 65, a retired GP, and her family were evacuated from their home on Friday. She said: “We could smoke rising and when the wind changed direction we could flames – it was pretty scary and felt pretty close although it was still a few kilometres away. “We could see lots of smoke today when we popped back home, masses coming from a very large area.