The acting Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, has stated that the two recent forest fires in the Almonte area are unrelated to the activities of the El Rocío pilgrimage. Sanz suggested the fires might be "intentionally set," pending the results of the ongoing investigation to determine their origin.

In a late-night press briefing, Sanz provided an update on the fire in the La Algaida area, reporting favorable signs around 1:00 AM. The fire was "contained" between dunes, beach, and marshes, with flames concentrated in the central section and none in the head or tail areas.

The minister highlighted the "rapid" reaction of the Infoca Plan, deploying nine aerial resources, including three Super Pumas and three helicopters, alongside terrestrial teams with five forest firefighter groups and four fire engines. He expressed confidence in stabilizing the fire by Monday morning following overnight perimeter work.

Sanz clarified that there was no "risk or impact" on the village of El Rocío and no connection to the pilgrimage, as there had been no activity there for two days and quality controls were in place. He ruled out any link to objects related to previous incidents in the area.

While awaiting the investigation's conclusions, Sanz noted the possibility of "intentionality" given the time and location, as well as the occurrence of multiple fires in the area without apparent connection. "It is truly strange, and therefore not dismissible, that we might be pointing to possible intentionality," he added.

Finally, the minister urged for "serenity and calm," advising the public to rely on "rigorous information" from official sources and to disregard inaccurate reports circulating on social media about the fire's progression.