The total number of military personnel from the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) mobilized to support the fight against the wildfire in Niebla, Huelva, will increase this afternoon to 250 personnel and 100 units. This was confirmed by the acting Government delegate of Spain in Andalusia, Francisco Toscano.
The UME's involvement, requested last night as the situation worsened, adds to the initial 130 personnel and 60 units, including water tankers, bulldozers, and light vehicles. This increase highlights the concern over the flames' advance.
In addition to the UME, over 115 members of the Guardia Civil are working in the area, managing road closures, citizen assistance, and public security in evacuated zones. Approximately 75 homes, mostly second residences, have been evacuated, affecting around 70 people. Most have found their own accommodation, while five have been rehoused in a hotel.
The Government has also deployed "a significant number of amphibious vehicles and helicopters" for aerial combat of the fire, according to Toscano. Furthermore, a forest brigade joined this morning to support Plan Infoca.
Francisco Toscano emphasized the importance of "institutional loyalty and unity" and the provision of all necessary resources for emergency management. The flames have spread over 4,000 hectares, fueled by changing winds that challenge firefighting strategies.
The day is considered critical. Two forest firefighters have received assistance; one remains hospitalized in observation at the Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital in Huelva, stable and asymptomatic.
The Minister of Presidency, Health, and Emergencies and director of the Andalusian Forest Fire Emergency Plan (Plan Infoca), Antonio Sanz, stated that "the highest level of machinery" will be used in this fire and described the past night as "extremely difficult and intense" due to wind shifts.
