Several teams of volunteers and rapid intervention vehicles from Civil Protection of Arganda del Rey have been working since dawn on the forest fire declared in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, on the M-501. The mayor, Alberto Escribano, has made the municipality's resources available to the emergency management.
The municipality of Arganda del Rey mobilised several teams of volunteers and Rapid Intervention Vehicles from its Civil Protection group early this morning to assist in the firefighting efforts for the forest fire declared this Thursday in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, at the height of kilometre 57 on the M-501 road.
The mayor of Arganda, Alberto Escribano, has informed through his social media about the activation of local resources and emphasised that the Department of Security and Emergencies is in constant contact with all involved institutions. "Our resources remain at the disposal of what the emergency management requires," the mayor stated.
The fire, which is still active, has led the Military Emergency Unit (UME) to declare a national interest emergency in recent hours. The evolution of the fire is unfavourable, and the flames are affecting an undetermined area of forest land in a zone of special ecological value.
In addition to San Martín de Valdeiglesias, two other uncontrolled fires remain in the area: one in Villa del Prado and another in Almorox, the latter already in the province of Toledo. Given the severity of the situation, the Community of Madrid has activated phase 3 of the Special Civil Protection Emergency Plan for Forest Fires (INFOMA).
This phase, the highest of the regional plan, involves the mobilisation of all available resources and coordination with the State. Authorities recommend that the public exercise extreme caution, avoid any activities that could cause a fire, and refrain from accessing the affected areas.
Mayor Escribano has called for prudence: "The situation is critical, and we must all exercise caution in any action." The mayor has thanked the volunteers for their work and reminded that the Arganda City Council has active prevention measures and prohibitions in place to reduce the risk of fires in the municipality.
The Civil Protection teams from Arganda are joining those from other municipalities in the Community of Madrid, as well as regional firefighters, forest agents, and the UME, who are working tirelessly to control the flames. Adverse weather conditions, with high temperatures and wind, are hindering firefighting efforts.
The fire in San Martín de Valdeiglesias has caused the closure of the M-501 road in both directions at kilometre 57, as well as the preventive evacuation of several nearby homes. The General Directorate of Traffic recommends avoiding the area and using alternative routes.
The Community of Madrid has set up an information phone line for affected citizens and recommends following the instructions of emergency services. The Arganda City Council asks residents not to spread rumours or unverified information and to consult only official channels.
The resources deployed by INFOMA include aerial means, forest brigades, firefighters, and units from the UME. The priority is to prevent the fire from spreading to urban areas and to protect the forest masses in the area.
Collaboration between municipalities is key in such emergencies. Arganda del Rey, through its Civil Protection group, once again demonstrates its commitment to territorial solidarity and immediate response to natural disasters.
The volunteers from Arganda will remain in the area as long as the emergency management deems necessary. The City Council keeps the public informed through its official channels and social media.
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