A major wildfire in the province of Huesca is keeping emergency crews on high alert. Around 4,000 hectares have already been affected, and more than 400 people have been forced to leave their homes. At the same time, concerns are growing over the risk of wildfires ahead of the total solar eclipse expected on Wednesday.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Emergency crews in Aragón are battling a large-scale wildfire. The blaze broke out on Monday in the Las Peñas de Riglos area of Huesca province and has since spread significantly. According to the latest reports, around 4,000 hectares have now been affected.
The situation remains difficult. The fire is spreading particularly through wooded areas as emergency crews work to contain the flames on several fronts. Around 400 emergency personnel and numerous aircraft are now involved in the firefighting efforts. Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) has also been deployed.
Eight villages evacuated
The spread of the fire has made extensive evacuations necessary. A total of eight villages have now been evacuated. The affected communities are Villalangua, Salinas de Jaca, Ena, Centenero, Arbués, Bailo, Alastuey and Larués.
According to the latest reports, around 440 people have been forced to leave their homes. The evacuees have been accommodated in Ayerbe and Jaca, among other locations.
Traffic conditions in the region are also affected. Among other closures, sections of the A-132 between Murillo de Gállego and Bailo, as well as the A-1205 between Triste and Santa María de la Peña, have been closed.
Hundreds of emergency personnel are battling the flames
The firefighting force has been significantly reinforced. In addition to regional emergency teams, units from the UME and other specialized forces are involved. A large number of fire trucks, bulldozers, and around two dozen aircraft are being deployed. The emergency teams are receiving support from regions including Navarre and Catalonia.
Weather conditions are creating a fluctuating situation. Lower temperatures and higher humidity have temporarily made the firefighters’ work easier. At the same time, the expected southerly wind could once again accelerate the spread of the fire.
Cause of the fire still unclear
It is not yet known how the fire started. Investigations are underway. Among those examining the possible cause of the fire is Seprona, the nature protection unit of the Guardia Civil.
Exceptionally dry conditions are further exacerbating the situation. High to extreme wildfire risk currently prevails across large parts of Spain. Such warnings also apply to Aragón.
Solar eclipse causes additional concern
The timing of the major fire is particularly critical: a total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Spain on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Aragon also lies within the zone where this astronomical event will be visible—at least partially, or totally in certain areas.
The authorities therefore face an additional challenge. Large numbers of people are expected for the solar eclipse, gathering at suitable vantage points or traveling to rural areas. At the same time, there is an elevated risk due to the ongoing danger of forest fires.
Consequently, special measures have already been prepared in other Spanish regions to handle the anticipated travel and crowds. Authorities are urging the public to strictly observe closures and safety instructions.
Fire still not under control
Despite the massive deployment of resources, the situation remains tense. The flames have spread across an area of around 4,000 hectares, eight villages have had to be evacuated, and several roads remain closed.
For the emergency crews, the priority now is to prevent the fire from spreading further and to protect the surrounding villages. How the blaze develops over the coming hours will also depend crucially on weather conditions.
