The regional government has activated an emergency plan for those affected by the fire that is still active in the Sierra Oeste. The measure includes hotel accommodation, food, and transfers, managed through an emergency contract with Red Cross.
The Government of the Community of Madrid has launched an emergency plan to assist families affected by the forest fire that continues to burn in the Sierra Oeste. The main measure consists of covering temporary accommodation in hotels and full sustenance for the evacuees, as well as for those who cannot return to their homes due to the damage suffered.
The initiative, announced this Wednesday by the regional executive, targets two groups: those who remain evacuated by order of the authorities and families whose homes have become uninhabitable after the flames. In both cases, the Community will cover the costs of lodging, daily sustenance, and transport from evacuation points or affected municipalities to the assigned hotels.
To expedite the response, the Community of Madrid has signed an emergency contract with Red Cross, which will be responsible for managing hotel accommodations and associated services. This collaboration will provide an immediate housing solution for those lacking personal resources or a supportive family or social network.
Requirements to access the aid
To benefit from this measure, applicants must meet several requirements. Firstly, it is necessary to be registered in one of the municipalities affected by the fire. Additionally, the damaged residence must be the applicant's habitual home and possess a valid legal title over the property, whether owned or rented.
Another fundamental requirement is to present a technical report certifying that the residence has become uninhabitable as a direct result of the fire. This document will be issued by municipal technical services or by firefighters, as specified by regional sources.
The goal of the regional executive is to ensure that no resident of the Sierra Oeste is left without a safe roof while reconstruction efforts begin. “The priority is to assist those who have lost everything or cannot return to their home, starting the social and economic recovery of the affected localities as soon as possible,” regional government sources have stated.
The fire, which started last weekend, has already ravaged more than 2,000 hectares of forest and has forced the evacuation of several hundred residents from municipalities such as Robledo de Chavela, Valdemaqueda, and Santa María de la Alameda. The flames, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures, have destroyed several homes and left numerous families homeless.
The Community of Madrid has mobilised all available emergency resources, including firefighters, forest agents, and units from the Military Emergency Unit (UME). Additionally, a coordination centre has been set up to assist those affected and channel the aid.
Those interested in applying for this aid can contact their local town halls or the Community of Madrid's citizen service phone line (012). There they will receive information about the steps to follow and the necessary documentation to process the application.
The regional government has assured that this is just a first emergency measure and that, in the coming weeks, new financial aid for the reconstruction of homes and recovery of affected areas will be announced. Meanwhile, those affected will be able to stay in the assigned hotels for as long as necessary, without a pre-established limit on their stay.
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