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A large wildfire in the Cairngorms has now been burning for a full week, with specialized helicopters being deployed to help control the blaze. The Cairngorms National Park Authority highlighted the importance of these two helicopters, which have been crucial for waterbombing areas that are difficult for ground crews to access. Despite their usefulness, the fire had already caused significant damage for almost two days before aerial support was brought in around Glenmore Forest Park, a delay that has sparked concern and criticism from some local residents. Many believe that earlier use of helicopters could have contained the fire more effectively.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) maintains that the response to the wildfire has been adequately supported from the outset, involving over 100 firefighters supplemented by local gamekeepers, estate workers, and volunteers. The incident began near Ryvoan Bothy, just south of Nethy Bridge, and by the weekend, the response was intensified to include six fire engines, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Wildfire Support Unit, and the two helicopters. However, it’s important to note that while the fire service coordinates ground-based resources directly, it does not have its own firefighting helicopters on standby. Instead, it depends on a handful of private companies with the specialized aircraft, equipment, and experienced pilots needed for aerial firefighting.
Calling in helicopters requires a multi-agency decision led by the fire service incident commander, who weighs the severity and strategic needs of the fire. Agencies such as Forestry and Land Scotland, NatureScot, and private landowners typically participate in these decisions. However, there are contractual and financial hurdles involved. For instance, deploying helicopters on private land may involve negotiations with insurance companies over costs, while on public land the expenses fall to the managing agencies. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys stated that helicopters can greatly aid firefighting efforts when available but are not always essential. He emphasized that tactical plans always account for situations without aerial support and that helicopters enhance, rather than replace, extensive ground operations.
The company leading the helicopter efforts in the Cairngorms wildfire is Sky
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