The First Vice President and Minister of Presidency, Health, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, stated from the Advanced Command Post that the fire, primarily affecting eucalyptus groves, dehesa, and pine forests, has offered "no meteorological opportunity" so far. The estimate of 20,000 hectares refers to the area within the perimeter, not completely burnt surface.
Sudden smoke columns, visible from kilometers away, are generating distant secondary outbreaks, necessitating helicopter transports for isolated units. The minister explained that convective phenomena prevent the water dropped by aerial means from effectively reaching the ground.
Since early Monday morning, the southwesterly wind has complicated the situation, pushing the fire towards the northeast. Unlike previous days, problems began early, intensifying the complexity and danger for the deployed professionals.
Despite the difficulties, the operation made progress during the night with work including widening burns in the northern and northeastern zones, and protection reinforcements south of Berrocal. Today's main objective is to contain the northern flank and the fire's head.
Efforts are concentrated in the sector between El Pozuelo, Marigenta, and Berrocal, combining heavy machinery, ground teams, and burns. On the southeastern flank, progress is being made along the black line, with a second contingency line between Aznalcóllar and Berrocal.
Over 600 personnel and 26 aircraft are working to contain the flames. The deployment includes 15 specialist firefighter groups, 11 fire engines, ten heavy machinery units, and 250 personnel from the Military Emergencies Unit (UME).
Antonio Sanz acknowledged that "hours and probably days of intense work remain" and there is no forecast for imminent stabilization. The minister described the fight against the fire as "a long-distance race full of obstacles."
Further evacuations are not ruled out, with the hamlets of La Delgada (in Zalamea la Real) and Madroño (in the province of Seville) on alert. The acting Government delegate in Andalusia, Francisco Toscano, emphasized that the meteorological conditions "are not favorable."
