Overnight rainfall has temporarily slowed the devastating wildfire near Las Peñas de Riglos. More than 1,000 emergency personnel are still battling the blaze, while 1,046 people remain evacuated. Authorities are now assessing whether residents can return, but there is still no sign of an all-clear.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The severe wildfire in the province of Huesca has eased somewhat following the rainfall overnight. According to the authorities, the rain has given emergency crews a valuable respite and helped to reduce the intensity of several particularly difficult areas of the fire. However, the situation remains tense: the blaze has now affected around 17,500 hectares, has a perimeter of approximately 100 kilometres, and is still not fully under control.
The night from Sunday into Monday was considerably more favourable for emergency crews than the preceding hours. The combination of rain and lower temperatures helped to push back the flames in several areas and strengthen firebreaks that had already been established. Aragón’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Luis Biendicho, described the situation as favourable, but at the same time warned against underestimating the danger. The fire is expected to keep emergency crews busy for several more days.
Rain brings relief – but also makes firefighting more difficult
The rainfall is a major advantage in the fight against the wildfire. In several areas, the rain has extinguished open flames and moistened the vegetation, initially reducing the risk of the fire spreading rapidly.
At the same time, the weather is creating new challenges. Waterlogged ground and mud are making it more difficult for vehicles and machinery to operate. In particular, in areas where emergency crews need to reinforce firebreaks, the wet ground can significantly slow down operations.
The authorities will therefore be closely monitoring how temperatures and wind conditions develop over the coming hours. As temperatures rise, the risk of the fire spreading could increase again. A change in wind direction, in particular, could cause the blaze to spread into areas that have so far been less affected.
More than 17,000 hectares affected by the fire
The fire near Las Peñas de Riglos has now become one of the largest wildfires Aragón has experienced in recent years. According to the latest figures, around 17,500 hectares are affected. Regional media report that this makes it the largest wildfire by area in the history of the autonomous community, although further assessment is still needed to determine how much of the area within the fire perimeter has actually been burned.
The fire broke out last Monday, 10 August, and has since spread across a vast and, in some areas, difficult-to-access terrain. The challenging topography, dry vegetation and persistently high temperatures have made firefighting operations considerably more difficult.
The fire now has a perimeter of around 100 kilometres, meaning emergency crews have to monitor an exceptionally large area while also working to prevent individual hotspots from developing into larger fire fronts again.
1,046 people remain evacuated
Despite the improved situation, the impact on local residents remains significant. Nineteen communities have been evacuated, with a total of 1,046 people still unable to return to their homes.
Authorities are now assessing whether a phased return to some of the affected communities may be possible. To this end, basic infrastructure and essential services are first being checked, with particular attention being paid to electricity, water supplies and telecommunications.
A decision on whether residents can return will only be made once these essential services are deemed sufficiently safe and there is no immediate threat from the fire. There is currently no blanket clearance for all evacuated communities.
Authorities are therefore continuing to urge caution. The fact that the rain has slowed the development of the fire does not mean that the blaze is under control.
Critical area around Monte Oroel
Emergency crews are continuing to closely monitor the eastern flank of the fire and the area towards Monte Oroel near Jaca. Current operations are focused on reinforcing existing firebreaks and cutting off potential routes for the fire to spread further. In some sectors, the rain has significantly weakened the flames, while other areas remain more challenging.
The situation remains particularly challenging between Santa Cruz de la Serós and Santa Cilia de Jaca. Less rain fell in this area, while the terrain is making firefighting operations even more difficult. As a result, crews are having to rely on aerial support in some areas.
San Juan de la Peña weiterhin geschützt
Particular attention has been focused in recent days on the historic area of San Juan de la Peña. At times, the fire came close to the two significant monasteries, which are of great historical importance to Aragón.
According to the incident command, the historic sites have been protected. Based on the latest information, there is currently no immediate threat to the area. Nevertheless, securing the site remains an important part of the ongoing operation.
The significance of the site extends far beyond tourism: the monastery is regarded as one of Aragón’s most important historic sites and is traditionally associated with the origins of the Kingdom of Aragón.
UME soldier dies while fighting the wildfire
The fight against the wildfire has been overshadowed by a fatal accident. On Sunday, 16 August, a member of Spain’s Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) died while taking part in the operation. The emergency vehicle carrying several soldiers was involved in an accident in the Barranco de Atarés area near Monte Oroel. Three other soldiers were injured.
The deceased soldier was identified as Javier García Sancho. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across Aragón. The regional government and other political representatives paid tribute to the UME’s efforts and expressed their condolences to his family and fellow servicemen.
More than 1,000 emergency personnel battling the flames
The scale of the operation is enormous. More than 1,000 emergency personnel are now working across different sections of the fire. They are supported by numerous firefighting vehicles, specialised machinery and aircraft.
Incident commanders are not only tasked with tackling the visible flames. A key part of the operation is containing the fire, establishing firebreaks and preventing hotspots from reigniting if weather conditions change.
The rainfall significantly eased these efforts overnight. Nevertheless, the sheer size of the affected area remains one of the biggest challenges facing firefighters.
International support from France
Given the extraordinary scale of the fire, Aragón is also receiving international assistance. France has sent firefighters and vehicles to Spain as part of the European civil protection mechanism.
The French support is intended to assist Spanish emergency crews in fighting and containing the wildfire. The deployment is part of European cooperation in response to major natural disasters, where the resources of a single country are insufficient.
No all-clear yet
The rainfall has undoubtedly helped emergency crews. It has lowered temperatures, moistened the vegetation and reduced the intensity of the fire in several areas. At the same time, the situation remains highly dynamic.
Authorities expect temperatures to rise again, while changing wind conditions could alter the situation at any time. For this reason, the weather forecast is being monitored as closely as the individual fire fronts.
The message from incident commanders is therefore clear: although the situation is developing favourably, the fire is still not under control.
Over the coming days, the key question will therefore be whether emergency crews can use the respite provided by the rain to further secure the fire perimeter and prevent the blaze from spreading again as temperatures rise.
