The municipality of Viator, in the province of Almería, experienced a new forest fire in the La Juaida area on Sunday afternoon, May 24th. The Andalusian Forest Fire Extinction Service (Infoca) declared the fire active at 1:05 PM.

The deployed task force in the area includes a semi-heavy helicopter, two forest firefighter groups, an operations technician, an environmental agent, and a fire engine. Infoca sources have specified that the fire is not located near urban areas, thus reducing the direct risk to homes.

Weather conditions, characterized by wind and high temperatures, have contributed to the flames' spread, reaching the municipality of Huércal de Almería. The local council there reported the presence of Infoca, Civil Guard, Firefighters, Local Police, and Civil Protection personnel working to control the blaze.

Local authorities advised residents to remain calm, avoid the affected area, and stay informed through official channels. They also recommended keeping doors and windows closed as a precaution against smoke and urged maximum prudence and cooperation to facilitate the emergency services' work.

This fire in Viator adds to an intense weekend for the Andalusian operational teams, who managed a total of eight forest fires across various provinces of Andalusia. Five of these have already been extinguished, including the one in Almería, along with fires in Almonte (Huelva), Adamuz (Córdoba), Minas de Riotinto (Huelva), and Pizarra (Málaga).

Two other fires remain under control and in the mopping-up phase in Alhama de Granada and Almadén de la Plata (Seville), while the latest fire reported this Sunday is in Lanjarón (Granada).