The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has requested the declaration of operational situation 3 of national interest due to the severity and simultaneity of wildfires in three autonomous communities. The fire has forced thousands of people to evacuate and has devastated hundreds of hectares in the region.
The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, requested on Thursday the declaration of operational situation 3 of national interest to address the wildfires affecting the region and neighbouring communities. The request, made through her account on the social network X, responds to the severity and simultaneity of the fires, which have forced thousands of people to evacuate and have exceeded the extinguishing capacity of the usual resources.
In her message, Ayuso emphasised that the forces of the Community of Madrid, along with the Military Emergency Unit (UME), “are risking their lives to save lives and property.” The President added that very adverse weather conditions are expected tomorrow, making it necessary to reinforce national and even international support to combat the fires.
In the Community of Madrid, there are three active fronts: one in Villa del Prado, affecting Aldea del Fresno; another in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, which has impacted Pelayos de la Presa; and a third in Almorox (Toledo), which is in the stabilisation phase. Of the more than 850 hectares burned in total, approximately 600 have entered Madrid territory, mostly in Villa del Prado and Aldea del Fresno, as reported by the President.
Fire in Villa del Prado: controlled but with restrictions
The fire in the urban area of Villa del Prado is under control, except for a front located behind the reservoirs, which remains cordoned off. The Agency for Security and Emergencies (ASEM) 112 has reported that those evacuated from the urban area can return to their homes, although they must keep doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure.
The authorities are asking people to avoid unnecessary travel through the streets of the municipality to not hinder the work of emergency services. The M-507 road remains closed in both directions, and access to the El Encinar del Alberche urbanisation is not permitted for safety reasons.
San Martín de Valdeiglesias: lockdown and evacuations
A wildfire declared on Wednesday in the municipality of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, near kilometre 57 of the M-501 road, caused by a burning vehicle, has forced the preventive lockdown of the López Rumayor nursing home. Additionally, an ES-Alert message has been sent to the residents of the San Ramón and Jaracruz urbanisations to remain in their homes while firefighting efforts continue.
At 5:00 PM, Emergencias 112 of the Community of Madrid expanded protective measures and sent an ES-Alert message to the population of Pelayos de la Presa, including its urbanisations, to move to the urban area due to the proximity of the fire. Sixteen aerial and ground firefighting resources from the Community of Madrid Firefighters, the Forest Brigades, and the region's Forest Agents are working on the extinguishing efforts.
Almorox fire: 26 homes burned
The fire declared on Thursday in Almorox (Toledo) has burned at least 26 homes, many of which belong to residents of the Community of Madrid. This fire adds to another front opened in La Mierla (Guadalajara), which has devastated 32,000 hectares to date, becoming the second largest fire on record in the region.
The Minister of Sustainable Development of Castilla-La Mancha, Mercedes Gómez, has reported that residents of Palancares, Almiruete, La Mierla, and Muriel have been able to return to their homes. The fire in Guadalajara “has practically not advanced” overnight and has not breached the established safety barrier, meaning that the province of Soria “remains free.”
Aid promised by the regional government
President Ayuso has assured from the Advanced Command Post (PMA) set up in Cenicientos that the regional government will support residents affected by the Almorox fire once the damage assessment of homes and plots is completed. “Of the more than 850 hectares burned, approximately 600 have entered the Community of Madrid, most of them in Villa del Prado and Aldea del Fresno,” she detailed.
On another note, high-speed train services on the Madrid-Barcelona line resumed at 4:00 PM, after a fire interrupted rail traffic between Mejorada del Campo and Alcalá de Henares since 2:25 PM. Adif has confirmed the resumption on its social media.
The authorities recommend that citizens stay informed through official channels and follow the instructions of emergency services. Adverse weather conditions expected tomorrow are likely to further complicate firefighting efforts.
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