Sánchez and Minister Aagesen visit the areas affected by the forest fire in Almería that has caused the death of 13 people

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, visit this Monday the areas affected by the fire in Los Gallardos, Almería. At this moment, the death toll from the flames is 13 people, 23 missing, and 7,000 hectares affected. This Sunday, the president of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, announced the stabilization of the forest fire and the progressive return to their homes of the people who had been evacuated due to the advance of the flames.

As explained by the Andalusian leader through his social networks, this improvement in conditions has led to a reduction in the operational level of the emergency, a decision that opens the door to the staggered return of people who remained outside their homes as a preventive measure. Moreno also highlighted the work carried out by the different teams deployed in the area and thanked them for their coordination and effort during the last few days.

The authorization for the return of residents culminates a process already initiated on Saturday afternoon, when hundreds of residents from different towns near the affected area were allowed to return. Similarly, the confinement measures that remained in force in some municipalities of the region were lifted due to the positive evolution of the situation.

Despite the stabilization of the fire, emergency services continue to work on the ground with the aim of achieving definitive control of the fire and ensuring the safety of the area. During the moments of greatest intensity of the fire, more than 1,400 people had to leave their homes and seek temporary accommodation in relatives' homes, second residences, or hotel establishments.

The stabilization of the fire allows affected families to begin returning to their homes after several days marked by preventive measures. The de-escalation of the emergency represents an important step towards the recovery of normality in Los Gallardos and its surroundings, while the extinction teams maintain vigilance to prevent possible reactivations.

Sánchez calls Juanma Moreno

Last Thursday, the President of the Government held a call with the Andalusian president, in which Sánchez conveyed to him that they would use "todos los medios materiales y humanos del Gobierno ya están desplegados to extinguish it and assist those affected." "We have been working from the first moment with maximum collaboration between institutions to face this tragedy," said the President of the Government.

He also wanted to once again express his condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed his solidarity with all the residents of the area. In addition, he requested to follow the recommendations of the authorities and emergency services. "Much caution," he insisted. The central government deployed more than 400 personnel, 124 vehicles, amphibious planes, helicopters, and drones to assist in the firefighting efforts.