Teamwork praised at Kincraig fire
The full story of how a "significant" woodland fire was averted yesterday (Tuesday, April 28) is now emerging.
Some 300 square metres of moorland and young forest was affected in the fire which was reported to the emergency services just before noon and which led the battle against the blaze until nearly 9pm after a recall to the area, by the Rivert Spey just outside Kincraig, at around 6pm.
Today, Wildland Ltd's director of conservation, Thomas MacDonell, told the Strathy: “It was great to see Cairngorm Connect Partners - Wildland Limited & SNH – coming together to support our neighbours at Alvie Estate to control a potentially significant woodland fire."
In a communication to all those involved he thanked them for "the wonderful show of team spirit in difficult conditions, under unusual restrictions caused by the current Covid-19 restrictions."
There were valuable lessons to be learned, he acknowledged, especially regarding suitable and appropriate PPE.
The woodland fire surprised those fighting it with the heat it generated, regarded to be much hotter than the more common moorland fires which Wildland Ltd had dealt with.
It had been a "fantastic" example of teamwork just when it mattered, Mr MacDonell reiterated.
