The Collado Villalba Town Hall has thanked businesses, volunteers, and municipal workers for the reception of 18 people evacuated from Valdemaqueda and Robledo de Chavela due to the Sierra Oeste fire.
The Collado Villalba Town Hall has expressed its gratitude to all the individuals and entities that participated in the reception of 18 evacuees from the forest fire that affected the Sierra Oeste of Madrid. The affected individuals, from Valdemaqueda and Robledo de Chavela, were accommodated for three days at the municipality's Senior Multi-Purpose Centre.
The operation, coordinated by Collado Villalba Civil Protection, provided accommodation, meals, and continuous support to the evacuees. The mayor, Mariola Vargas, highlighted that “Collado Villalba has once again demonstrated that it is a supportive city, capable of mobilising quickly when others are going through difficult times.”
Vargas emphasised the work of Civil Protection, which continuously addressed the needs of those accommodated. “Behind this operation, there has been an enormous human effort and extraordinary coordination,” she stated. Staff from the Social Services Department, including municipal psychologists, were also available to provide emotional support.
The team from the Senior Department and the cafeteria staff at the centre were responsible for preparing and serving meals during the stay. Workers from various municipal areas collaborated in preparing the facilities, managing to create a safe space in just a few hours.
Local businesses and shops rallied around the initiative. Decathlon donated the beds used, and the General University Hospital of Villalba provided sets of sheets. Mercadona and Carrefour contributed food and essential products, joined by local shops. Cinesa offered a cinema session to entertain the stay, especially for the younger ones.
The Galaico and FC Villalba hotels made themselves available to the Town Hall in case it was necessary to expand the operation. The establishment Las Murallas also collaborated by preparing sandwiches. The Town Hall wanted to acknowledge the generosity of all of them, as well as the anonymous volunteers who participated.
The forest fire in the Sierra Oeste forced the evacuation of several localities, although ultimately there were no personal injuries to regret. Collado Villalba, located in the Metropolitan West area, became a reception point due to its proximity and the availability of its facilities.
The mayor concluded that “this response demonstrates Collado Villalba's commitment to solidarity and mutual aid.” The operation was concluded when conditions allowed the evacuees to return to their homes.
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