Fire service has ‘adequate resources’ to tackle Cairngorms blaze, says commander
Lynne Gow was speaking to members of the media near Rothiemurchus Lodge in the Scottish Highlands.
A senior-ranking firefighter has insisted the service has “adequate resources” to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire.
Lynne Gow, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) area commander based in the Highlands, said she is “absolutely certain” of the force’s plan to tackle the blaze, which is almost four miles in size and has been burning for more than 24 hours.
At a press conference on Thursday, Ms Gow was asked if she agreed with Health Secretary Neil Gray’s previous comments that the service has enough resources to fight the fire.
She said: “I would agree that we have adequate resources. We’re absolutely certain of our practical plan here.”
The RSPB, which runs the nearby Loch Garten nature reserve in the Scottish Highlands, previously said there is an “urgent” need for a firefighting helicopter.
Ms Gow responded to this, stating: “If helicopters are not available, we have direct and indirect means to fighting fire, and that’s what we’re deploying.”
She said: “A helicopter is not always the best resource for the reasons I’ve cited.
“It can also be a hazard for us, but it definitely provides a lot of area support.
“So, if our tactics are to use area support, then that would be the most appropriate way of dealing with it.”