Firefighters in the Scottish Highlands are facing another tense night as they work to contain wildfires that have scorched miles of woodland near Grantown-on-Spey.
Alarm Bells And Abandoned Camp Chairs
It all began just before six on Saturday evening. In the quiet woods near Loch Allan, someone spotted flames crackling through dry underbrush.
Within hours, the fire grew into a massive front, devouring trees and brush, sending plumes of smoke billowing skyward.
One local who tried to snuff out the first sparks told BBC Scotland News that the fire’s heart was a simple ring of stones — evidence of a campfire gone horribly wrong. A couple of camping chairs lay scattered, abandoned.
Roads Cut Off, Communities On Edge
By Sunday, the blaze had spread across several miles of woodland. Police closed off three key roads to keep drivers safe — and to give the fire crews space to work.
Those roads still closed as of Monday morning include:
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A939 from Ferness to Grantown-on-Spey
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A940 from Dava to Logie
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B9007 from Duthill to Ferness
People living near the fire line have been told to keep their windows and doors shut tight against the drifting smoke.
Crews Work Through The Night
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says progress has been made. Crews in two appliances stayed on scene overnight to monitor the hot spots and keep the flames from reigniting.
A spokesperson described the situation as “under control for now,” but warned that changing winds and dry conditions could still fan new flare-ups.
One firefighter on the ground said simply, “It’s a waiting game.”
A Region Prone To Wildfire
This isn’t the first time the Highlands have felt the heat. Scotland’s moorlands and pine forests dry out fast in spring and early summer, making them vulnerable to stray sparks.
Here’s a look at recent major wildfire incidents in Scotland:
| Year | Location | Area Affected | Suspected Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Moray | ~25 sq miles | Unattended campfire |
| 2021 | Galloway | ~9 sq miles | Controlled burn gone wrong |
| 2024 | Wester Ross | ~15 sq miles | Unknown |
| 2025 | Dava / Loch Allan | Several miles | Abandoned campfire |
Source: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
One firefighter told local press that more people camping wild has increased the risk. A single ember in the wrong breeze can ignite whole hillsides.
Witness Accounts From The Edge
Locals have been sharing what they saw as the fire grew. Some described it as “like a wall of flames,” others said it looked “almost beautiful, until you remember what it’s destroying.”
One resident, who asked not to be named, said they could feel the heat from their garden a half mile away. “It’s the worst I’ve seen in years,” they added.
The Fight Goes On
As dawn breaks over the Cairngorms, the fire crews will keep watch for hidden embers. The wind in the Dava area can shift fast, sending sparks across the dry ground.
Local police have thanked the public for steering clear — and urged anyone heading north to check travel updates before driving
