The UK Government is set to deploy military resources to assist in combating a significant wildfire in the Cairngorms, which has been ongoing for over a week.
London, United Kingdom Jul 27, 2026 ALN: The UK Government is ready to deploy the army to Scotland to battle a wildfire in the Cairngorms.
More than 500 firefighters have been tackling the blaze, which has raged for the past 11 days and forced the evacuation of homes in one village, though residents have now been told they can return.
However, the fire is expected to burn into next week, and First Minister John Swinney stated on Saturday he had requested military assistance in aerial support from the UK Government to help the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Westminster has now responded, indicating it can deploy Chinook helicopters to provide logistical support and heavy-lift capacity, support from UK standby battalions, and enhanced liaison support.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “The last 12 days have been extremely challenging for the teams on the ground tackling the wildfire and for those who live and have livelihoods in the area. Scottish Fire and Rescue services and the local community have committed exceptional efforts to trying to get the fire under control and they deserve a wealth of praise and thanks.
“Since receiving the request for assistance from the Scottish Government, I have worked at speed with the Defence Secretary to establish the resources we can deploy to support the efforts in the Cairngorms.”
However, the support set out by the UK Government did not include the specialist firefighting helicopters which the Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray had said earlier on Sunday were needed to tackle the blaze from the air.
Mr. Gray mentioned that two commercial helicopters, accessed through a NatureScot contract, were deployed on Saturday and three were expected to be available on Sunday.
He stated that the Government would examine Scotland’s wider preparedness following criticism that more resources should have been deployed earlier.
Wildfires continue to burn at the Cairngorms National Park
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says 500 firefighters have been involved in battling the blaze, while the UK Government said on Sunday it is ready to deploy the armed forces
🎥 Cairngorms National Park Authority pic.twitter.com/Vperz4WXQX— The Herald (@) July 26, 2026
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “My thoughts are with those who have been affected by the terrible wildfires in the Cairngorms, and I pay tribute to the brave emergency services personnel who have been working tirelessly to tackle the blaze.
“Our Armed Forces are always ready and able to respond to serious situations, and Chinook helicopters can be available to provide heavy-lifting capacity, which may be needed given the landscape, and we have UK standby battalion personnel ready to deploy to provide additional numbers on the ground to help bring the wildfire under control.
“The Ministry of Defence is ready to support in any way we can, and we are working closely with teams on the ground.”
On Sunday afternoon, the SFRS reported that low winds and heavy rain had helped slow fire behavior and limit further spread. The fire service still had more than 75 firefighters, nine fire appliances, and additional specialist resources on scene, supported by three helicopters conducting water-bombing operations.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: "I want to reassure everyone affected by this prolonged incident that we are still fully committed with the appropriate resourcing in place as we work to protect the community.
"This is still very much a large, multi-agency response with partners, volunteers, and the community pulling together to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
"We intend to take advantage of the positive weather conditions to aggressively fight this fire in key areas, particularly in the north end of the incident ground to make an impact while the conditions allow.
"However, we are not complacent; SFRS staff and partners remain vigilant across all areas of the incident ground to monitor for any flare-up.
"This remains a dynamic and changing incident, and we expect to be in attendance with significant resources into next week.
"I would once again like to thank our partners, the community, and all of those who have volunteered to support the response to this incident so far and continue to do so today."
It was announced on Sunday that the Abernethy Highland Games would not go ahead because the local community center is still being used by the emergency services, and many of the event’s volunteers have been involved in efforts to stop the fire.
A post on social media stated: "It is with great sadness and deep regret that given the ongoing wildfire and its response, the Abernethy Highland Games 2026 have today been cancelled.
"The community center is still in full use by the emergency services, with no end point in sight.
“Many of our volunteers for the Games have been actively involved in fighting the fire over many hours and days.
"Our thanks to all the firefighters and other emergency service personnel, gamekeepers, volunteers, machinery operators, and everyone else who has been involved over the past 12 days.”
Police Scotland has stated that a "significant response" across the emergency services and other agencies remains ongoing in response to the fire.
Superintendent Judy Hill said: "Police continue to respond to protect and support the people affected, and we will maintain a significant presence in the area for some time to come. Anyone with concerns can approach these officers, who are there to help.
"This is a concerning time for residents, businesses, and visitors to the area. I would like to reassure people living across Badenoch and Strathspey area, as well as Moray, that dynamic plans remain in place and the situation is continually monitored.
"Substantial resources from police and partners, including three helicopters today, are still being deployed to the area. We remain fully committed to supporting our SFRS colleagues in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as soon as possible.
"Please follow advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services and turn to official sources for information."
The advice is to continue to keep windows and doors closed in the immediate area but also in wider areas where the smoke is drifting.
The C7 (Ski Road), Forest Lodge Access Road, Lettoch Road, and Dorback remain closed.
Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions, and helicopter activity.
The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
To learn more about the latest developments in Crime & Law, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AiLensNews.
