Helicopters join efforts to waterbomb wildfire within Cairngorms National Park

More than 50 firefighters and two helicopters are continuing to waterbomb a major wildfire within the UK's largest national park, as it burns for a third day.

The blaze within Cairngorms National Park, which has been contained, has been ongoing for three days and is estimated to have burnt more than four 1.5 square miles (four square kilometres) of land.

A number of homes and businesses within the Glenmore Forest Park area - including campsites and Cairngorm Mountain Resort - have been evacuated and closed as a precaution.

The wildfire started in heathland at Ryvoan Bothy, near Nethy Bridge, late on Wednesday morning.

In an update on Friday afternoon, Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) said two helicopters are now on scene.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) added that more than 50 firefighters, nine vehicles, two specialist wildfire units and tactical commanders are also still deployed.

The emergency crews have been using a high-volume pump to draw large volumes of water from Loch Morlich to support the operation.

SFRS said it is continuing to work with landowners to create firebreaks and contain the spread of the flames.

There have been no reports of any casualties.

Area commander Lynne Gow said it remains a "complex and protracted" incident.

She added: "The deployment of a helicopter provides an additional operational capability which can be particularly effective across challenging terrain and in areas that are difficult to access.

"Aerial support complements the extensive work already being undertaken by firefighters and partner agencies on the ground and enhances our ability to limit the spread of fire where conditions allow, as we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."

Access to Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich is still being stopped, with police operating a strict cordon.

Gavin Miles, director of planning and place at CNPA, said: "We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.

"Based on the latest advice, Aviemore is no longer affected and businesses in the area are open."

RSBP Scotland said there has been a "huge community effort" to halt the spread of the wildfire and extinguish it.

The charity said the fire is currently being fought on two fronts - one where it has moved into Forestry Land Scotland at Glenmore and the other on its Abernethy National Nature Reserve.

A spokesperson for RSPB Scotland said: "Abernethy is an incredible place for nature - supporting more than 5,000 species including some of the UK's rarest and most threatened wildlife.

"While we won't know the full impact of the fire until it is out, we are very worried about the impact on young Scots pine and broadleaved trees from areas of natural regeneration and planting as well impacts on invertebrates, reptiles, mammals and birds."

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Sky News spoke to families who were evacuated from Glenmore Campsite on Wednesday evening.

One mum said: "It got scary very quickly - emergency workers and vehicles on the campsite and people running around packing up. My four-year-old was in tears and scared by the situation."

A "very high risk of wildfire" warning is currently in place for central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland.

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: "The authorities, as I understand it at the current time, have the fire relatively controlled.

"They're monitoring it at all times, and ministers are receiving regular and routine updates in relation to the fire at the front."

(c) Sky News 2026: Helicopters join efforts to waterbomb wildfire within Cairngorms National Park