The forest fire in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid has entered a containment phase. Over 11,000 people remain evacuated in the Community of Madrid.
The forest fire that has been affecting the Sierra Oeste of Madrid for several days has entered a containment phase, allowing authorities to lift evacuations and lockdowns in several localities on Tuesday. The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced from the Advanced Command Post in Navalcarnero that, from 8:30 PM, residents of Fresnedillas de la Oliva and Zarzalejo can return to their homes. Additionally, the lockdown in Santa María de la Alameda and Pelayos de la Presa has been lifted, except in the El Mirador de Pelayos and Las Muas urbanisations, where restrictions remain for safety reasons.
Despite this improvement, around 11,000 people remain evacuated in various locations in the Community of Madrid. Restrictions continue in Robledo de Chavela, Valdemaqueda, the Encinar del Alberche urbanisation (in Villa del Prado), and in five urbanisations in San Martín de Valdeiglesias: Costa de Madrid, San Ramón, Javacruz, La Javariega, and Veracruz.
Hours earlier, the Ministry of the Interior had already authorised the return of residents from eight other municipalities: Cadalso de los Vidrios, Cenicientos, Navalagamella, Navas del Rey, Rozas de Puerto Real, Aldea del Fresno, Chapinería, and Colmenar del Arroyo.
Grande-Marlaska highlighted that the perimeter of the fire has not registered any advances in the last 24 hours, a fact he described as "very positive". However, he urged caution and explained that a similar operation to previous days will be maintained during the upcoming night, as weather conditions remain unfavourable. If the situation continues to improve, the aim is to begin the liquidation phase on Wednesday, aimed at completely extinguishing active hotspots and preventing re-ignitions.
The improvement in the situation has also allowed for progress in restoring mobility in the Sierra Oeste. On Tuesday afternoon, six roads in the regional network were reopened either fully or partially. Traffic can now flow on the M-507, except between kilometres 28 and 36, near the Encinar del Alberche urbanisation; on the M-501, except at the accesses to Pelayos de la Presa; on the M-510, between kilometres 20 and 54; on part of the M-521, where the section between kilometres 23 and 29 remains closed; and on the M-533 and M-855 roads, which are now open to traffic.
Conversely, the roads M-512, M-534, M-537, M-539, M-540, and M-541 remain closed as damage assessment and firefighting efforts continue.
For the residents of the Sierra Oeste, returning home is a relief after days of uncertainty. However, authorities recommend staying informed through official channels and following the instructions of emergency services. Updates on mobility restrictions and expanded reopened areas are expected in the coming hours.
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