The worst fire in the Community of Madrid remains active and uncontrolled after four days. New hotspots have forced the evacuation of the El Encinar del Alberche urbanisation, raising concerns about the Cofio River area.
The forest fire declared in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid, the most severe in the recent history of the Community, saw a reactivation of flames on Sunday afternoon. Two new hotspots have emerged near Villa del Prado and around the San Juan reservoir, prompting the resumption of evacuations in the El Encinar del Alberche urbanisation. Although firefighting teams showed moderate optimism in the morning, changes in wind direction have returned the fire to areas previously considered controlled.
The Government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín, confirmed that “a fire outbreak” has occurred in the San Juan reservoir area, where teams are working to prevent the flames from advancing towards Valdemaqueda. “An important battle is underway to prevent a new onslaught,” said Martín, who warned that the night will be crucial to contain these fronts.
In total, the flames have already scorched around 27,000 hectares in the Community of Madrid, according to estimates from the Government Delegation. So far, 12 municipalities remain evacuated: Chapinería, Navas del Rey, Colmenar del Arroyo, Fresnedillas de la Oliva, Robledo de Chavela, Navalagamella, Aldea del Fresno, Zarzalejo, Peralejo, Rozas de Puerto Real, Cadalso de los Vidrios, and Cenicientos. They are joined by the El Encinar del Alberche urbanisation in Villa del Prado and Pelayos de la Presa. Additionally, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Valdemaqueda, Villa del Prado, and Pelayos de la Presa remain under preventive confinement.
The assessment of material damage is still provisional, but in El Encinar del Alberche alone, 43 homes have been reported destroyed and 286 affected. More than 35,000 people have been evacuated across the Community, and another 20,000 are confined, according to the latest official data.
The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande Marlaska, described the evolution of the fires as “positive but slow” following the emergency coordination meeting. For his part, Francisco Martín explained that firefighting efforts have focused on perimeter control and attacking the most active fire fronts, but the reactivation of hotspots has required increased efforts. “The fire is still not under control,” emphasised the delegate.
One of the most concerning areas is around the Cofio River, where the risk to nearby populations is high. During the night, teams will concentrate on this area and the new hotspots to prevent their spread. “We have good forecasts for tonight and during tomorrow,” stated Martín, who is hopeful that favourable weather conditions will allow progress in perimeter control.
Looking ahead to Monday, the reopening of the El Escorial campsite is expected, along with the restoration of intercity bus services between Villamanta and Madrid, and authorisation for farmers to access restricted areas to feed their animals. The return of residents from the San Martín de Valdeiglesias nursing home will also be permitted. However, the Government delegate warned that restrictions will not be lifted until there are “solid technical criteria” ensuring safety.
The fire, which began last Thursday, has affected a wide area of the Sierra Oeste, including municipalities such as Robledo de Chavela, Navas del Rey, and Aldea del Fresno. The magnitude of the fire has necessitated the mobilisation of numerous aerial and ground resources, as well as the collaboration of the Military Emergency Unit (UME). The priority remains to protect the population and prevent the flames from reaching new urban areas.
Residents of El Encinar del Alberche were alerted around 6:00 PM that the area was unsafe and they needed to evacuate immediately. Many had already been evacuated in previous days and had returned home, believing the danger had passed. Uncertainty and fatigue have settled among residents, who see the fire returning time and again.
Authorities have urged caution and cooperation from the public, reminding them that confinement and evacuation measures are designed to save lives. Meanwhile, firefighting teams continue their efforts tirelessly, hoping that favourable weather conditions and collective effort will allow them to bring the fire under control in the coming days.
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