The Minister of Presidency, Health, and Emergencies of Andalusia, Antonio Sanz, expressed optimism, stating that they are at the "beginning of the end" of the fire, which has devastated over 38,000 hectares. "The best news is that the fire has not advanced throughout the night for the first time," he declared from the Advanced Command Post coordinated by Infoca.
Personnel deployed in the area are working to consolidate the control perimeter. Technicians reported a "favorable evolution" on the morning of Saturday, August 15. The Vice President of the Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz, described the fire as a "beast," while President Juanma Moreno called it a "monster" due to its aggressiveness.
This forest fire, declared on August 6 in Niebla (Huelva), has become the most severe in Andalusia's history in terms of affected area, surpassing the 34,000 hectares in Riotinto in 2004 with over 38,000 hectares burned.
The drop in temperatures and the assistance of emergency crews have been crucial in combating the fire, which was exacerbated by strong wind gusts, intense heat, and the presence of eucalyptus forest, a highly combustible and non-native species that the Junta has pledged to review.
Despite the improvement, Sanz warned of "complicated weather" with rising temperatures. Activity is concentrated on the eastern front, crossing the province of Seville from Aznalcóllar towards El Castillo de las Guardas. The southern flank was brought under control after a surge on Friday afternoon. "We are heading towards the final stages," stated the Andalusian vice president, although 52 people remain evacuated and many properties are damaged.
The Spanish Government has deployed over 1,000 civilian and military personnel and 320 teams. The Military Emergencies Unit (UME) contributes around 450 military personnel and 100 resources. The Civil Guard has deployed 515 agents and 190 teams, and the Ministry for Ecological Transition adds 70 people and aerial resources. The fire has affected 11 localities in the provinces of Huelva and Seville.
