What is the name and location of the wildfire?

The Cannich Wildfire was an active wildfire in the Scottish Highlands, Cannich as of May 31, 2023 (1). Nearly 3,000 hectares of land burned, while smoke from the wildfire reached as far west as Loch Ness.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

The fire has been brought under control after covering about 15 square kilometers (nearly six square miles). More than 20 firefighters and five appliances, including specialist resources, remained at the scene to dampen hotspots.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The fire is likely impacting air quality near Cannich, Scotland, but no major cities.

The Cannich wildfire has caused extensive damage to the Corrimony nature reserve in the Highlands, according to RSPB Scotland (2). The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has brought the fire under control, but firefighters remain at the scene dealing with hotspots. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it has had a significant impact on ground-nesting birds and native trees in the Corrimony reserve.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

There are no evacuation orders in place.

A wildfire warning has been in place across east, central, and southern Scotland since Friday, May 27, extending until June 5. Visitors are advised to be cautious, take extra precautions, and follow guidance to prevent incidents and support emergency services.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.