Collado Villalba's Civil Protection closes the shelter for the 17 displaced persons from Valdemaqueda and one from Robledo de Chavela. The mayor, Mariola Vargas, confirms that their return home is scheduled for today, pending the evolution of the fires.
The 17 individuals who had been staying at the Polifunctional Building in Collado Villalba after being evacuated due to the forest fires in the Sierra Oeste will leave the municipality today. This has been confirmed by the mayor, Mariola Vargas, who stated that their return to their homes in Valdemaqueda and Robledo de Chavela is planned for this Wednesday, provided that the fire situation allows it.
The shelter, activated since last weekend, has provided refuge for five families who had to leave their homes due to the advancing flames. For three days, the Polifunctional Building has served as a temporary shelter, a space that, according to the Emergency and Civil Protection coordinator, Diego Herrera, was chosen for being climate-controlled, having showers, a cafeteria, and an interior courtyard for children and pets.
Herrera highlighted that the accommodation has been completely self-sufficient, without the need for external resources, and that it could be reactivated if the situation requires it. The operation has been coordinated by Civil Protection in collaboration with various municipal departments, such as Social Services, Works Brigade, and Sports.
If it is not safe for them to return, the Community of Madrid has planned to transfer those affected to hotels or hostels to prevent them from spending another night in camping beds and shared spaces. The final decision will depend on the evolution of the fire in the coming hours.
Among those sheltered is Rosa, a resident of Robledo de Chavela who arrived at the shelter on Tuesday night. She recounts that the alert reached her late and that she had to be rescued by the Civil Guard from Galapagar due to her asthma. “I saw the flames next to the village and felt a very strange sensation, of danger. Until one goes through something, one cannot feel it like that,” she stated.
Rosa, who has several foster cats, assures that she has not suffered material losses and is eager to return home to see her animals. She appreciates the care received in Collado Villalba: “I have been very well looked after, considering what has happened, which was unpredictable. I am very grateful to all the people who have supported us.”
The forest fire, which affected several towns in the Sierra Oeste, has forced the evacuation of dozens of residents and has burned hundreds of hectares. Authorities continue to work on extinguishing it and assessing the damage.
For the residents of Collado Villalba, the closure of the shelter marks the end of a week characterised by solidarity and coordination between municipal services and volunteers. The Town Hall reminds that the Polifunctional Building remains available for any new emergencies that may arise.
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