Just weeks after devastating wildfires swept through the south-west of the Madrid region, the area is once again battling the flames. A new wildfire broke out near Aldea del Fresno on Wednesday. Due to its rapid spread, Aldea del Fresno and neighbouring Villamantilla were placed under a precautionary stay-at-home order. Strong winds are making firefighting efforts more difficult.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The Sierra Oeste de Madrid is once again facing a serious wildfire. On Wednesday, 19 August, a new blaze broke out near Aldea del Fresno. According to emergency services, the flames spread rapidly and posed an immediate threat to populated areas. The fire was located at around 2.30pm at kilometre 52 of the M-510.
The situation is particularly serious for local residents: Aldea del Fresno and neighbouring Villamantilla have been placed under a precautionary stay-at-home order. Around 5,200 people live in the two municipalities combined. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and follow the instructions of emergency services strictly.
Strong winds are driving the flames
The firefighting operation is proving difficult. According to the fire service, strong south-westerly gusts are causing the fire to spread more rapidly and intensify. At times, the flames are reported to have come within around 400 metres of homes.
Authorities have therefore activated Situación Operativa 2 under the INFOMA emergency plan. This alert level is used when a wildfire poses a direct threat to people or non-forested property and additional emergency resources are required.
Major firefighting operation launched against the blaze
Emergency services have deployed a large-scale firefighting operation in the affected area. According to the latest figures, 22 ground units and nine aircraft are involved in tackling the blaze. The Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) has also been called in, with units setting off from their base in Torrejón de Ardoz for the fire zone.
Emergency commanders are coordinating operations on the ground, while authorities are urging the public to stay away from the affected area and keep access routes clear for firefighters and emergency services.
Roads partially closed
Traffic in the region has also been affected. Roads around the fire zone have been closed or restricted to normal traffic because of the blaze.
The M-510, where the fire broke out, has been particularly affected. Authorities are warning people not to travel towards the affected area. The measures are intended not only to protect the public, but also to ensure that the many emergency vehicles can reach the site.
For residents, it is a case of déjà vu
The current situation is particularly distressing for residents of Aldea del Fresno and Villamantilla. Just a few weeks ago, the region was already battling a major wildfire.
The major fire on 23 July affected large parts of south-western Madrid. According to Spanish media reports, around 27,000 hectares of land were burned. More than 55,000 people were affected by evacuations or stay-at-home orders at the time.
Aldea del Fresno was among the areas worst affected. The fact that flames have once again appeared in close proximity is understandably causing considerable concern among residents.
Did the new wildfire have anything to do with the July fire?
According to current assessments, there is no connection with the previous fires. The exact cause of the latest blaze remains unknown. Emergency services and authorities have not confirmed any link to last month’s fires.
The July fire, however, is still fresh in people’s minds. Monitoring operations are continuing in areas affected by the previous blaze.
No all-clear yet
For residents of Aldea del Fresno and Villamantilla, the message remains the same: stay indoors, remain calm and follow official instructions.
How the fire develops over the coming hours will depend, among other things, on wind conditions and the success of firefighting efforts. The strong gusts are making the situation particularly challenging at present. There is still no all-clear. Ground crews, firefighting aircraft and support from the UME are continuing to battle the flames.
The Sierra Oeste de Madrid is therefore facing another dangerous wildfire just weeks after the devastating blaze in July – and this time, the flames are once again dangerously close to populated areas.
