Fires Force Closure of Troubled Cairngorm Mountain

Emergency services are continuing to battle a large-scale wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park that has triggered mandatory evacuations, closed major roadways, and forced the total closure of Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

The blaze was first reported just before noon on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, near the historic Ryvoan Bothy. Fueled by warm weather and high winds, the fire quickly evolved into a massive front stretching over two kilometers wide and impacting an estimated six square kilometers of dry heathland and forestry.

Mandatory Evacuations and Closures

As the fire rapidly advanced through the trees and woodland of Glenmore Forest Park, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) initiated precautionary evacuations. Multiple homes, local businesses, and popular holiday campsites in the immediate vicinity were cleared.

To ensure public safety and provide unobstructed access for emergency vehicles, authorities closed the C7 road—locally known as the Ski Road—at Coylumbridge. This critical closure effectively cut off access to Cairngorm Mountain Resort, forcing the ski area to suspend all operations and evacuate its facilities.

Resort officials announced that updates regarding a safe reopening will be shared as the situation develops, and confirmed that anyone with existing bookings will receive a full refund once staff are permitted back on-site.

A "Protracted Incident"

A coordinated national response has been launched, pulling in resources from SFRS, Police Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and the National Park Authority. Specialized wildfire units, tactical commanders, and multiple fire appliances have been working alongside local landowners to carve out vital firebreaks to contain the spread. Wildlife monitoring drones are also being utilized by conservation rangers to track the fire’s trajectory.

SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin emphasized the scale of the challenge facing teams on the ground:

"This remains a protracted incident, and I want to thank our firefighters for their continued commitment and determination in challenging conditions. The risk is clear and the weather conditions have contributed to this incident, with warm, high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of dry land."

Extreme Fire Risk Warning

The incident coincides with an active "very high risk" wildfire warning issued for the Central Highlands, as well as Southern and Eastern Scotland. The emergency warning remains in effect until Monday, July 20, 2026, as summer temperatures soar across the country.

While no human casualties have been reported, a strict cordon remains firmly in place. Members of the public, hillwalkers, and tourists are being strictly ordered to avoid Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, and all surrounding mountain trails.

Thick plumes of smoke continue to drift across the strath, and officials are urging residents in nearby Aviemore and Glenmore to keep all windows and doors tightly sealed.