Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to battle a wildfire that has been burning in the Cairngorms National Park for 10 days. The escalation follows a significant change in weather conditions, specifically a shift in wind direction, which has heightened the risk of the fire spreading towards the village of Nethy Bridge. As a precautionary measure, all residents of Nethy Bridge have been evacuated to facilitate the ongoing response by emergency services.

The wildfire, which initially broke out near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, last Wednesday, has seen its severity increase due to the altered weather patterns. The change in wind has caused smoke from the blaze to be visible up to 59 miles away in Aberdeen. Superintendent Judy Hill stated that the weather conditions over the past 24 hours have introduced further complexities to the situation, leading to the decision to declare a major incident and evacuate the village.

More than 100 firefighters have been engaged in tackling the blaze, supported by eleven fire engines, wildlife units, and a command support unit. Firefighters have been constructing miles-long firebreaks to contain flare-ups, with drones assisting in directing crews to active hot spots. A new fire break is currently being created in an effort to halt the fire's progress, according to First Minister John Swinney.

The implications of the declared major incident include the closure of access roads into Nethy Bridge and the establishment of a dedicated respite centre for evacuated residents at the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel. Additional police resources have been deployed to assist in contacting and relocating those who need to leave their homes. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has described the fire as remaining dynamic and unpredictable.

First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, stating that all deployable resources are being utilized. He thanked those working to manage the situation and urged the public to follow official advice. The creation of a new fire break was highlighted as a key strategy to control the spread.

However, some local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the response. One Nethy Bridge resident told the BBC that the wildfire should have been declared a major incident sooner, citing "pretty poor" communication from authorities. Concerns have also been raised about the evacuation notice being last-minute, potentially causing financial strain for residents needing to find accommodation and posing challenges for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Superintendent Hill confirmed that additional police resources were being mobilized to assist in the evacuation process, ensuring that those requiring departure from their properties were contacted. The decision to evacuate was made as evidence indicated the fire was moving towards Nethy Bridge.

The situation remains fluid, with new fire outbreaks continuing to occur within the national park. The SFRS continues to monitor the dynamic conditions, emphasizing the ongoing challenges posed by the wildfire and the need for continued vigilance and response efforts.