The Arganda del Rey Elderly Residence has been housing nearly a hundred elderly individuals from the Santa Fe Residential Complex in Zarzalejo since Saturday, evacuated due to the wildfires affecting the western Sierra of Madrid. The evacuees are receiving psychological support and shelter until the emergency, declared of national interest, is under control.
Nearly a hundred elderly individuals have been transferred from the municipality of Zarzalejo to the Arganda del Rey Elderly Residence, which has become one of the reception points for those affected by the wildfires ravaging the western Sierra of the Community of Madrid. The mayor of Arganda, Alberto Escribano, has expressed gratitude for the work of the centre's staff and the emergency teams working on the extinguishing efforts.
The evacuees belong to the Santa Fe Mental Health and Psychogeriatric Residential Complex, located in Zarzalejo, one of the towns most affected by the fire. Since last Saturday, the Arganda residence has been providing accommodation, meals, and psychological support, according to the Arganda del Rey City Council. It has not been specified how long they will remain at the centre, but municipal sources have indicated that it will be for as long as necessary until the emergency is under control.
The fire has forced the mobilization of over 55,000 people from various municipalities in Madrid and has been declared of national interest, allowing the intervention of the Military Emergency Unit (UME). Firefighters and security forces continue to work to extinguish the flames, which have already devastated hundreds of hectares of forest land.
Mayor Escribano has publicly expressed his gratitude to all professionals involved in the emergency. In a message shared via social media, he highlighted the efforts of "all the military, emergency professionals, security personnel, and healthcare workers who are coordinating to save lives." He also emphasized that Arganda "will continue to be available to meet the needs of the emergency."
The Arganda Elderly Residence, so far the only facility of its kind in the municipality, has had to adapt its facilities to temporarily accommodate the new residents. The City Council has not detailed whether the arrival of the evacuees has affected the regular users of the centre, but municipal sources have assured that care for all has been guaranteed.
The wildfires in the western Sierra of Madrid have prompted one of the largest evacuation operations in recent years in the region. In addition to Zarzalejo, other municipalities such as San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Robledo de Chavela, and Navas del Rey have experienced mass evacuations. The UME, along with the Community of Madrid firefighters and Civil Protection units, continues to work on extinguishing the fires, although adverse weather conditions, with high temperatures and wind, are complicating efforts.
For the residents of Arganda del Rey, welcoming the evacuees is a gesture of solidarity during a critical moment. The City Council has reminded that the municipality has previously collaborated in similar emergencies, such as the fire in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, where Arganda's Civil Protection provided support. Now, the residence has become a refuge for those who have had to leave their homes and centres abruptly.
Local authorities have insisted that the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected and have urged the public to follow the instructions of emergency services. Meanwhile, firefighting teams are working tirelessly to control the fire, which has already been declared of national interest, allowing for the mobilization of extraordinary resources.
The Arganda del Rey City Council has set up an information channel through its website and social media to keep citizens informed about the evolution of the emergency and possible collaboration needs. So far, no additional material resources have been requested, but authorities do not rule out expanding the reception if the situation requires it.
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