Cairngorms: There must be a wildfire emergency support fund for communities and local business
Scottish Green Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess called for the Scottish Government to establish a dedicated emergency fund to support communities responding to wildfires and provide urgent relief for businesses suffering cancellations and closures.
After visiting Nethy Bridge and the Abernethy Forest on Monday and meeting residents, firefighters, volunteers and others involved in the response, Ariane praised the extraordinary community response, which has seen local people raise tens of thousands of pounds to provide food, drinks and supplies for firefighters, volunteers and others working on the frontline.
However, she warned that communities should not have to rely on emergency crowdfunding during major incidents and called for a permanent fund that can be activated quickly to cover catering, supplies, respite facilities and other essential local costs.
Ariane Burgess MSP said:
“Visiting Nethy Bridge, I saw the very best of the Highlands and community spirit when firefighters, volunteers and residents have worked around the clock, while the whole community has pulled together to support them.
“The amount raised by local people to provide food, drinks and essential supplies is an incredible demonstration of generosity and solidarity - but communities facing a disaster of this scale should not have to pass around a collection bucket to meet the basic costs.
“Wildfires of this scale are not going away. Our changing climate is making extreme conditions more frequent, and government support must become planned, permanent and ready to deploy, not improvised after the flames have already spread.
“The Scottish Government should establish a permanent community wildfire support fund that can be released immediately when serious incidents occur so that local volunteers can concentrate on helping their neighbours and supporting those on the frontline, rather than worrying about whether enough money can be raised to help emergency services get by.”
Ariane also called for targeted financial support for local businesses, after residents and business owners have highlighted increased cancelled holidays at the peak time of year, and that some premises have been forced to close because of the fire and associated restrictions.
Ariane added:
“There must also be urgent help for local businesses. This fire has struck during the most important part of the tourist season. Businesses have been forced to close, bookings have been cancelled and I have heard deeply worrying reports of visitors abandoning holidays planned for August.
“Ministers must work together with the Highland Council, VisitScotland and key organisations in the Cairngorms on an emergency relief package for affected businesses, alongside a swift recovery campaign showing visitors which communities and attractions remain safely open.”