The fire has been raging for 10 days, first breaking out on July 15
Residents have been ordered to evacuate as a "major incident" has been declared amid the ongoing wildfire at Cairngorms National Park, which crews have been battling for 10 days.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the wildfire, chaired by First Minister John Swinney.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray, and other were also in attendance.
All residents of Nethy Bridge, a village of around 650 people, are being urgently evacuated after Police Scotland declared a major incident.
The force said changes in wind conditions have intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, which has been raging since July 15.
A fire break around the village was established overnight, with new fire breaks being constructed.
The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation.
"Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried.
"My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding."
He echoed that the fire was changing toward the direction of Nethy Bridge as of yesterday afternoon, and said the precautionary evacuation was "put in place overnight to protect the village".
Police officers have visited all properties in Nethy Bridge, and officers are in the village today to support residents, the force confirmed.
The First Minister this morning added: “The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least.
"Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.
“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire.
"It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they been given the go-ahead to do so."
He said further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership, and the Scottish Government Resilience Group will also reconvene.
“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents", he added.
"I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park - it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”
