A Police Scotland statement said Nethy Bridge residents were being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel and access roads into Nethy Bridge had been closed.
John McGlinchey, a local resident of Nethy Bridge, said he felt disappointed that residents were “having to wait until the flames are almost on our doorstep and having to relocate at such notice”.
He said there is a major concern for mobilising the many elderly people in the village and those with disabilities.
With the “last-minute” evacuation call, a lot of people will also have to go out of pocket for accommodation because of a lack of contingency plans from the government, he added.
More than 100 firefighters have been tackling the blaze, which first broke out near Ryvoan Bothy, south of Nethy Bridge, last Wednesday.
Eleven fire engines, wildlife units and a command support unit are still at the scene.
Firefighters said miles-long firebreaks had helped to contain the latest break-outs on Thursday night while drones were directing crews to hot spots.
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