The regional president oversees the reconstruction efforts and confirms that the fires are under control. Over 26,000 hectares affected and 76 homes in ruins.
The Community of Madrid has already activated 88% of the 43 urgent measures approved to rebuild the Sierra Oeste, as confirmed this Tuesday by regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, after presiding over the follow-up meeting on the actions. The wildfires that ravaged the area are under control and in the extinguishing phase, which has allowed for the acceleration of recovery work in the 17 affected municipalities.
The preliminary damage report presented by the regional government estimates the burned area at 26,860 hectares, of which 4,920 are public utility forest. The report also counts 154 damaged homes, of which at least 76 have structural damage or are in ruins, as well as 57 livestock farms and 26 industrial buildings affected.
Díaz Ayuso has wanted to highlight the work of the local mayors, whom she described as “people committed to a strong public service vocation, who have not left their towns at any time.” The president insisted on the importance of residents with second homes returning to the Sierra Oeste to “support local commerce” while the administrations complete the recovery.
“Now more than ever, it is necessary for those who have a little house, a second home, to return to the village, to support local commerce, to their people, while from the different administrations we put into action everything within our reach,” the president assured.
Support for those affected and aid for the primary sector
The Post-Fire Attention Points (PATI) have so far assisted 1,328 residents: 886 have requested information and 442 psychological support. Additionally, the regional government has provided accommodation in hotels for 416 people who lost their homes, of which 78 are still housed, including 18 minors and 23 pets.
For the primary sector, the Community of Madrid has allocated one million euros urgently to repair the 101 damaged livestock infrastructures and has already distributed nearly 497,000 kilos of fodder.
20 million for cleaning and reconstruction
The regional government has mobilised an urgent investment of 20 million euros from the Reserve Fund of the Regional Investment Programme (PIR) for cleaning and recovery efforts. To date, 834 cubic metres of belongings and debris (139 containers) and 1,931 of plant waste (332 containers) have been removed, with 19 professionals and 20 specialised vehicles working on the ground.
In terms of mobility, 200 kilometres of the affected road network have already been inspected, and a car-sharing service has begun for those who lost their vehicles in the fire.
Free legal and employment assistance
A free legal orientation service has been set up in San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Navalcarnero, which has already assisted 87 people, and another service for employment and Social Security advice with 282 resolved queries. For economic recovery, there are grants of up to 10,000 euros for businesses and self-employed individuals, with an investment of 15 million, in addition to a line of free guarantees.
Tax exemptions of 100% have also been applied for the purchase of vehicles and properties to replace those that were damaged, and 80% discounts on Canal de Isabel II rates for farmers, ranchers, and affected residents.
Reconstruction efforts continue with the aim of restoring normalcy to the municipalities of the Sierra Oeste as soon as possible. Those affected who need assistance can go to the PATI or the orientation services set up in San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Navalcarnero.
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