Isabel Díaz Ayuso has warned of the seriousness of the fire affecting the Sierra Oeste, with hotspots merging to create a "unique atmosphere". The Community of Madrid is reinforcing the healthcare system with 800 extra beds and activating 241 beds at the Isabel Zendal Hospital.
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has described the large fire that has been raging in the Sierra Oeste for hours as "totally unprecedented," after participating in a meeting of the Operational Coordination Centre (CECOP) at the Advanced Command Post set up in Cenicientos. The situation, she explained, is changing "at great speed" and the fire is going through a "very critical moment".
The various hotspots of the fire have generated "a sort of unique atmosphere" and are already "behaving as one", a phenomenon that authorities fear could lead to "much worse situations". Therefore, the evacuation of all populations in the Tiétar Valley has been ordered, and Ayuso warned that the fire will also affect the Community of Madrid.
“All the region's resources are working tirelessly,” the president assured, urging the public not to approach the area to facilitate the work of emergency services and keep access routes clear. She also thanked citizens for their understanding and patience, which are key to facing the emergency.
In the healthcare sector, Díaz Ayuso announced an extraordinary reinforcement of the regional system with another 800 beds, which could also serve the municipalities in the province of Ávila if necessary. Additionally, she reported the activation of another 241 beds, with 12 ICU positions, at the public Hospital Enfermera Isabel Zendal, which will be available for any needs arising from the fire.
Another measure announced is the automatic renewal of all job demands from residents of the affected municipalities, managed by the Regional Employment Service. The aim is to avoid unnecessary travel while the emergency situation persists.
The fire, which broke out in the Sierra Oeste area, has necessitated the deployment of a wide range of aerial and ground resources. Weather conditions, with wind and low humidity, complicate extinguishing efforts. Evacuated residents have been moved to safe points established by the authorities.
The Madrid president emphasized the importance of citizen collaboration and urged maximum caution. “We are facing a fire of a magnitude we have not seen before in this area,” she stressed. Emergency teams continue to work to contain the flames, while alerts remain in place throughout the region.
For residents of the Community of Madrid, the main recommendation is to stay informed through official channels and avoid any non-essential travel to the affected area. Access roads remain closed to facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles.
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