The fire, declared this Saturday, has led to the confinement of the population of Pinos del Valle. Some residents, from the surroundings of the affected area, are anxiously monitoring the evolution of the flames. José Luis, whose mother had to leave the town, expressed his family's nervousness: "They are nervous because this is the second fire in four years." His main concern is that the fire might advance towards inhabited areas and affect other municipalities.
From the outside, José Luis feels powerless seeing the nearby environment burn again: "Powerless not knowing why it happened, seeing again what it's like in my town and not being able to do anything." He recalled that the area suffered another fire four years ago, burning the mountain, and he is unaware of the origin of the current fire.
Miguel Ángel Sánchez spotted the fire from La Albuñuela while on a hiking route. At half past twelve, he observed a "large column of smoke." Although the situation seemed more favorable in the afternoon than in the morning, he acknowledged the visual impact of the scorched landscape: "You see it so black and you say: wow, it's changed, it's different, it's devastated." The area, which used to be "all green" with pine forests and low scrub, now appears "black."
Antonio Castillo, a resident of Melegís, approached the area and described the situation as "impressive." He thanked the firefighting services, especially the aerial units, who were applauded by those present. He observed positive progress on one slope, believing the fire could be controlled soon thanks to the helicopters. Castillo also recalled a similar fire seven years ago.
Access to Pinos del Valle remains restricted due to security checks by the Guardia Civil. While firefighting teams continue to work, residents remain vigilant about a fire that is once again testing an area marked by forest fires in recent years in the province of Granada.
