The La Marazuela Sports Centre in Las Rozas has become the second most frequented reception point in the region, housing over 300 people evacuated from their homes due to smoke and wildfires.
The La Marazuela Sports Centre in Las Rozas has established itself as the second facility in the Community of Madrid with the highest number of evacuees from the wildfires affecting the region. More than 300 people from a dozen municipalities are currently housed there, primarily evacuated due to poor air quality and dense smoke accumulation.
The support system for those affected, deployed by the Community of Madrid, includes 21 assistance points throughout the region. At La Marazuela, families receive basic assistance: rest, food, and medical care. However, among the evacuees, there is a prevailing anxiety due to the lack of official information regarding the status of their homes and the date of return.
“No one tells you anything clearly; first they say you’ll leave tomorrow, then they say you won’t. We have no official information, we find out from neighbours who know someone in the town,” recounts one of the evacuated residents.
To alleviate this uncertainty, Civil Protection volunteers maintain a continuous presence through rotating shifts. Their work focuses on the logistical management of the facility, organising children's activities, and providing emotional support during moments of distress.
Rocío Bustamante, a volunteer with the service, explains the importance of staying close to the relocated residents: “Our main job is to ensure they are comfortable, that they have companionship, and to provide them with a moment of conversation or a helping hand when they experience those emotional peaks of not knowing what is happening and when they will be able to return home, which is what they desire most right now.”
The La Marazuela operation also stands out for the integration of pets within the facility. Over fifty dogs and cats coexist with the evacuees, and another 20 horses have been taken in at the Municipal Equestrian Centre.
The animal protection association Abrazo Animal coordinates veterinary care, the provision of supplies, and daily walks for the animals. According to its president, Lola, this task serves as an outlet to help alleviate the stress of evacuation: “Those who have the responsibility to walk the dog are getting out and getting some fresh air, which is very beneficial against the anxiety of being on a stretcher.”
The operation at La Marazuela is complemented by the coordinated efforts of the Local Police of Las Rozas, SAMER medical staff, and cleaning personnel, who ensure order and hygienic conditions at the facility.
The Community of Madrid continues to maintain its emergency plan in response to the wildfires, with special attention to the evolution of smoke and air quality. Authorities recommend that the public stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
At this time, there is no scheduled date for the return of evacuees to their homes. Emergency teams continue to work on extinguishing the fires and assessing structural damage to the homes.
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