*** Scotland Declares ‘Major’ Incident Over Massive Cairngorms Wildfire | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Scotland Declares ‘Major’ Incident Over Massive Cairngorms Wildfire

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London: Scottish authorities have declared a major incident as more than 500 firefighters battle a massive wildfire burning through Cairngorms National Park in northern Scotland.

The blaze has swept across roughly 600 hectares of Highland heather and brush over the course of ten days. Emergency services deployed helicopters alongside ground crews to douse the flames, while police ordered precautionary evacuations for the 650 residents of Nethy Bridge and surrounding remote communities.

First Minister John Swinney described the firefighting operation as a complex and difficult situation. However, officials noted a welcome overnight change in wind direction that temporarily reduced the immediate threat to populated areas.

 In the meantime, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged surrounding villagers to remain indoors with windows and doors securely closed to protect against heavy smoke.