The forest fire declared in Lozoyuela has forced the activation of Operational Situation 2 of the INFOMA Plan and the sending of an ES-Alert to the population. The UME has joined the operation, with nearly 40 firefighting units working on extinguishing the fire.
The fire, which started on Cerro del Repetidor, in the ruins of the old village of Relaño, has led the Madrid 112 Security and Emergency Agency (ASEM112) to activate Operational Situation 2 of the Community of Madrid's Civil Protection Plan against Forest Fires (INFOMA). This measure involves the mobilization of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), which has already joined the firefighting efforts.
Evacuations and Road Closures
The crisis committee, meeting at the ASEM112 headquarters, has ordered the preventive evacuation of isolated homes and the San Lázaro urbanization in Buitrago de Lozoya. Several road closures have also been decreed: exit 69 of the A-1, the M-126 at km 0, and the M-135 at km 5. The affected area includes Mangirón, Cinco Villas, and Buitrago.
The fire mainly affects Cerro Cinco Villas, an area known for its pine forests, with a repeater antenna at its summit, located in the municipality of Puentes Viejas. Efforts are focused on preventing the flames from reaching the dehesas and the town, with the urbanizations of Los Robles and San Lorenzo close to the fire.
Attention to Residents
The Lozoyuela Town Hall has made the municipal sports centre available to accommodate residents of the town and the nearby district of Manjirón (Puentes Viejas) if necessary. For now, residents have received the ES-Alert message recommending that they stay in their homes with windows closed.
According to the mayor of Lozoyuela, the municipality is out of danger, as the fire is heading towards Buitrago. In fact, evacuations are already taking place in that area. The column of smoke is visible from many points and has caused significant traffic congestion on the A-1 near Buitrago, as several drivers have attested with their videos.
Fire Development
As of 7:30 PM this Thursday, the situation of the fire had improved, with the fire controlled in the area closest to the road and in the direction of Buitrago. However, the front at Manjirón and Cinco Villas is still not under control. The incorporation of the UME into the operation is key to reinforcing the extinguishing efforts.
The Minister of Environment, Carlos Novillo, has indicated that the fire is heading east, about to reach the Puentes Viejas reservoir. He emphasized that there are no personal injuries, but he is concerned about the strong winds in the area and the existence of another nearby fire, just 15 kilometres away, in Guadalajara.
The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has published a message on social media calling for coordination, responsibility, and teamwork. Emergencies 112 recommends avoiding any travel towards the affected areas and following the instructions of emergency services.
The Advanced Command Post has been set up at the Lozoyuela Fire Station. The evolution of the fire is being constantly monitored by emergency teams.
For residents of the Sierra Norte, the recommendation is clear: stay alert to ES-Alert messages and do not approach the affected areas. The A-1 road, near Buitrago, continues to experience delays, so alternative routes are advised.
You may also like
