The First Vice President of the Junta de Andalucía and Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, stated that the critical phase of the forest fire in Cerro Muriano has been overcome due to the swift intervention of deployed resources. The fire began when a truck loaded with straw caught fire on the N-432 road, initially spreading on a hillside before reaching the N-432a road.
Given the severity, operational level 1 was activated, mobilizing emergency services. Sanz expressed gratitude for the coordination with the mayor of Córdoba, the president of the Provincial Council, and the mayor of Obejo.
Around a hundred residents from the Villa Sanjurjo and Villa Alicia urbanizations were preemptively moved away, though Sanz emphasized it was not an evacuation and that Villa Sanjurjo remained protected by firefighters and was not affected by the flames.
The firefighting effort involves 145 personnel from Infoca supported by 21 aerial units, along with heavy machinery working on the left flank, considered a priority due to its proximity to the population of Cerro Muriano.
The fire's progression was influenced by wind direction changes. Eastward shifts caused concern by directing flames toward inhabited areas, but a westerly wind is now pushing the fire towards a path connecting to another front in the Villa Enriqueta area.
Aerial resources are working on the right flank and the fire's tail to slow its advance. The primary objective is to contain the head of the fire before nightfall.
Sanz reiterated that no evacuation was necessary, only the precautionary relocation of residents. According to available information, no homes have been reached by the flames, although areas difficult to access still need assessment.
The aerial units' performance was described as "spectacular," fostering "optimism with caution" regarding the fire's future evolution. Sanz maintained constant contact with local and provincial authorities.
Antonio Sanz extended his thanks to the Guardia Civil, local police of Córdoba and Obejo, Civil Protection, and firefighters, whose protective actions in the urbanizations allowed Infoca to focus resources on forest tasks.
The situation remains under "maximum surveillance," but the phase of greatest danger to the population of Cerro Muriano has been overcome.
