Cairngorms wildfire devastates large area

Visitors to the Cairngorms National Park have been urged to act responsibly after a wildfire broke out over the weekend destroying around seven football pitches worth of forest near Loch Morlich.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were called to the fire in the Cairngorms National Park just after 2pm on June 5 and the area was declared safe on Sunday morning.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has said that the fire which impacted around seven hectares of land – equal to roughly seven football pitches in size – was “devastating but preventable”.

The cause of the remains unknown.

FLS recreation ranger Maree Morrison said: “A huge thanks to the crews from SFRS who attended on the day and stopped this fire from being much worse.

“Over recent weeks we have been working closely with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and SFRS to raise awareness of the 'very high fire risk' message by using social media, on-site signage and leaflets, all supplemented by additional on-site staff who are helping us to convey this and other key messages.

“The impact of wildfires can affect habitats and wildlife for months, years or even decades. It is imperative that visitors plan ahead and are aware of the potential safety precautions that they need to take, especially when conditions are so hot and dry.”

FLS has reminded people that campfires are not allowed within the Cairngorms National Park or at FLS sites. Portable gas stoves are recommended for barbecues and cooking food.

fire 0 Wildfire devastation near Loch Morlich