Civil Protection has activated an Es-Alert requesting the confinement of residents in Buitrago de Lozoya and the districts of Cinco Villas and Manjirón due to a forest fire declared in Lozoyuela. The fire, which started around 16:00 hours, has also necessitated the preventive evacuation of isolated homes and the closure of the A-1 motorway.
The forest fire that has been burning since 16:00 hours in the municipality of Lozoyuela has led the Madrid 112 Security and Emergency Agency (ASEM112) to activate Operational Situation 2 of the INFOMA Plan. The fire, which originated in a vegetated area, has mobilised 28 ground units and nine aerial resources from the Community of Madrid Firefighters, supported by Forest Agents.
Confinement and evacuations in the Sierra Norte
The Es-Alert message, sent to mobile phones in the area, urges residents of Buitrago de Lozoya and the districts of Cinco Villas and Manjirón (Puentes Viejas) to remain confined in their homes. “Keep doors and windows closed and avoid going outside,” the text states, requesting that people only call 112 in case of emergency.
Additionally, there has been a preventive evacuation of isolated homes and the San Lázaro urbanisation in Buitrago de Lozoya, due to the proximity of the flames. Emergency teams are working to prevent the fire from spreading to inhabited areas.
Closures on the A-1 and secondary roads
The A-1 motorway (Madrid-Burgos) has experienced a total closure at kilometre 69, although the left lane has since been reopened. The exit 69 of the A-1, the M126 road at km 0, the M135 at km 5, and the Manjirón-Cinco Villas-Buitrago connection remain closed. Unnecessary travel to the area is advised against.
The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has expressed her support on social media: “Emergency teams continue to be deployed to protect people and the environment. These are moments of coordination, responsibility, and teamwork.”
Emergency response and a call for caution
The Civil Guard has deployed citizen security patrols, Mobile Citizen Attention Offices (OMAC), and the Citizen Security Unit of the Command (USECIC). The Government Delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín, has been monitoring the evolution of the fire and has made “all public resources” available to address the emergency, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and follow the instructions of emergency services.
The Advanced Command Post has been set up at the Lozoyuela Fire Station, from where firefighting efforts are coordinated. Affected residents should remain attentive to official channels for updates on the fire's progression and safety measures.
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