A forest fire declared this Thursday in Lozoyuela has forced the evacuation of over a hundred residents in Buitrago de Lozoya and the confinement of 2,000 people in the districts of Puentes Viejas. The Civil Guard has arrested a man as a suspect for starting the fire.
The Civil Guard has arrested a man with a criminal record as the presumed responsible for the forest fire that has been affecting the Sierra Norte of Madrid since 4:00 PM this Thursday, originating near Lozoyuela. The arrest occurred after residents reported seeing a person fleeing from the area where the flames started, as confirmed by the Government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín.
Mass evacuations and confinements
The fire, which is advancing rapidly due to the wind and the dryness of the land, has forced the preventive evacuation of more than a hundred residents in the urban area of Buitrago de Lozoya. Additionally, confinement has been ordered for the districts of Cinco Villas and Mangirón, both belonging to the municipality of Puentes Viejas, where around 2,000 people reside. The ES-Alert warning has been sent to mobile phones in the area urging the population to stay indoors with doors and windows closed.
“Due to the evolution of the fire near Buitrago de Lozoya and the districts of Cinco Villas and Mangirón, please remain confined in your home until further notice,” read the emergency message.
The Community of Madrid has raised the Operational Situation 2 of the Civil Protection Plan against Forest Fires (INFOMA 2026) and has requested the intervention of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), which is already moving to the area with about 30-40 personnel and heavy machinery.
Road closures and power outages
The fire has caused the closure of the A-1 motorway towards Burgos at exit 69, as well as the roads M-126 (km 0), M-135 (km 5), and M-127. The General Directorate of Traffic is urging drivers to exercise caution and avoid the area. Additionally, residents of towns such as Buitrago, Gascones, Mangirón, Rascafría, Torremocha del Jarama, Torrelaguna, and La Serna del Monte are reporting power outages that are further complicating the situation.
In the firefighting efforts, 28 ground units and nine aerial resources from the Community of Madrid Firefighters and regional Forest Firefighters are working. Forest Agents are also participating, collaborating with emergency teams to halt the advance of the flames. So far, authorities have not reported the affected area or damage to homes, although the fire is dangerously approaching inhabited areas.
An arrested man with a criminal record
The Government delegate explained that the arrest occurred after a citizen's report: “A person who was fleeing, and after a report from the neighbors, the Civil Guard found him.” He is a man with a criminal record who is currently in police custody awaiting judicial proceedings. He is charged with a forest fire crime, which can carry prison sentences of up to 20 years if intent or gross negligence is proven.
For the residents of the Sierra Norte, the night is expected to be long. Emergency teams are working tirelessly to contain the fire, while the UME joins the operation. The official recommendation is clear: only call 112 in case of emergency and follow updated information through official channels. The Civil Guard maintains a search operation to rule out the involvement of others.
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