The flames, which started at 1:15 PM in the area of Villanueva de los Castillejos, Huelva, are now in emergency phase 1 of Andalusia's Infoca Plan. The extinction operation is contending with northwesterly winds gusting up to 35 km/h, hindering control of the fire which is spreading without apparent containment.
The acting Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, has conveyed a message of "tranquility and prudence" to residents, assuring that "currently there is no risk to the population." He highlighted the coordinated efforts of the more than 110 ground personnel and 19 aerial units deployed, including water trucks and fire engines, aiming to extinguish the fire as soon as possible.
Emergency phase 1 is activated when a fire, even if controllable with ordinary resources, requires protective measures for people and non-forest assets due to its potential evolution. The operation is particularly focused on the perimeter between the Los Lirios and La Mediana estates.
We hope to stabilize the situation as soon as possible.
The mayor of San Bartolomé de la Torre, a municipality near the affected area, María Eugenia Limón, has urged "tranquility for the entire population" and thanked the "enormous effort" of the professionals. She requested "maximum caution" and avoidance of travel in the area. The Camino del Matuloso remains closed by the Guardia Civil to ensure safety.
This fire occurs in an area near Alosno, where another fire declared last Thursday was extinguished on Sunday night. That fire also affected the municipalities of Villanueva de los Castillejos and Gibraleón, burning approximately one thousand hectares.
