Joint investigation launched as 'large areas badly affected' by wildfires

An investigation has now been launched into what caused recent wildfires across parts of Highland and Moray.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are working on the matter, after firefighters and a host of volunteers battled blazes which started on Saturday.

It has been confirmed no one has been injured, but large parts of countryside have been "badly affected."

A statement from Police Scotland said: "A joint Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service investigation has been launched following wildfires in the Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Dava and Upper Knockando areas.

"The fires were reported to police around 4.05pm on Saturday, 28 June.

"Emergency services attended and a number of roads were closed to keep the public safe."

Chief Inspector Mike MacKenzie, local area commander, added: “Fortunately no one has been injured but a large swathe of the countryside has been badly affected. I would like to thank all the emergency services and the public involved.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and this includes the area around Lochindorb between Carrbridge and Dava and the area around Loch Allan near Dava.

“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch.

“If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2281 of Saturday, 28 June, 2025, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Aviemore Community Fire Station are one of several crews who have thanked those who helped.

A social media post said: "We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who supported this effort — from gamekeepers, estate workers, land management teams, farmers, foresters, conservation agencies, local contractors and so many more volunteers.

"Your skills, resources and dedication made all the difference. Through all-terrain vehicles such as ArgoCats, fogging units, tractors, four-wheel-drive vehicles, water bowsers, flails, leaf blowers, drones, helicopters and by applying wildfire control techniques such as technical backburning, your teams brought every available tool and an incredible work ethic to help bring these fires under control."