Police Scotland declared a major incident at the Cairngorms National Park wildfire after shifting winds drove flames toward Nethy Bridge, forcing the evacuation of all residents to the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel.
More than 100 firefighters remain on scene tackling the blaze, now in its 10th day since igniting near Glenmore on July 15. Crews have created firebreaks spanning 2.5 miles west and 1.2 miles east of the fire, while helicopter water-bombing and drone operations continue. RSPB Scotland reported a major flare-up at its Abernethy reserve, where the fire covered roughly six square kilometres at its peak.
Smoke drifted 59 miles to Aberdeen, prompting health advisories to keep windows closed. First Minister John Swinney said all deployable resources are being used, while Justice Secretary Neil Gray confirmed the fire service has appropriate resources.