Inferno Near Scottish Caravan Park Cuts Power to 600 Homes as Residents Urged to Evacuate and Avoid Area

LOSSIEMOUTH, Scotland — A massive wildfire erupted near a coastal holiday park on the outskirts of Lossiemouth, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, forcing emergency evacuations, and leaving roughly 600 homes without power.

The blaze broke out in dense gorse and vegetation along the River Lossie, just a short distance from a local caravan holiday park and residential neighborhoods. Driven by high winds, the flames rapidly spread along a 100-meter fire front, creeping dangerously close to nearby structures and critical utility infrastructure.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deployed multiple fire engines and specialized wildland firefighting crews to contain the inferno through the night. As the fire swept through the gorse terrain, intense heat and falling debris damaged overhead power lines, severing electricity to over 600 nearby homes and business properties.

Meanwhile, Police Scotland established a wide cordon around the perimeter, advising locals to stay clear of the scene while assisting in the evacuation of several households and caravan park visitors threatened by dense smoke and advancing flames. To bring the blaze under control, crews utilized high-volume water hoses and off-road fire units to damp down embers, combat stubborn hot spots, and establish containment lines along the riverbank.

Emergency engineers remain on scene alongside firefighters to repair damaged electrical infrastructure once the zone is declared safe. Police Scotland have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while local council authorities continue to operate temporary shelter centers for displaced residents.

Local authorities have urged returning residents to exercise extreme caution as power restoration efforts continue, warning that heavy smoke may linger in the low-lying areas near the river for several days. Community outreach teams are working closely with emergency services to distribute bottled water, emergency supplies, and welfare support to those temporarily displaced, while environmental agencies begin assessing the long-term impact of the burn on the native wildlife and riverbank habitat.