The flames may soon be extinguished, but scientists and conservationists warn that the biggest challenge could still lie ahead. So why could the impact of the Cairngorms wildfire be felt for decades to come? Wildfire in the Cairngorms. Credit @SurreyPalmsWX on XNearly two weeks after the fire first broke out in the Cairngorms National Park, firefighters continue to tackle hotspots across parts of the Scottish Highlands. The Cairngorms blaze comes after an exceptionally warm and dry summer, with drought conditions affecting large parts of Britain and firefighters responding to a growing number of incidents.