The Huesca fire devastates some 10,000 hectares and forces the evacuation of 18 villages while threatening San Juan de la Peña

The Las Peñas de Riglos wildfire keeps Huesca on Friday facing one of the most serious emergencies of recent years. The flames already affect some 10,000 hectares and have forced the evacuation of 18 inhabited areas and Camping Pirineos, while extinction teams try to contain reproductions and protect the historical heritage of San Juan de la Peña.

Anzánigo and Atarés have been the last towns evacuated. The official count reached 891 evacuated people after the departure of the 36 residents of Anzánigo and subsequently, the eight people who still remained there were ordered to leave Atarés. The total figure is thus close to 900, although most of the inhabitants have found accommodation on their own or with relatives.

A camp in Anzánigo where 19 minors and five monitors were staying has also been evacuated. Santa Cilia de Jaca, Puente la Reina de Jaca, and Bernués remain under surveillance for any change in the evolution of the fire, after the first two towns remained confined for several hours due to the presence of smoke.

The fire also keeps five roads closed. The A-132 between Murillo de Gállego and Puente la Reina de Jaca, the A-1205 from Santa María de la Peña, the N-240 between Santa Cilia and Puente la Reina, the A-1603, and the track connecting the N-240 with Alastuey remain cut off. Rail traffic between Ayerbe and Sabiñánigo has also been suspended until further notice.

The UME protects the cradle of the Kingdom of Aragon

The fire has reached the vicinity of the old and new monasteries of San Juan de la Peña, one of the most important historical sites in Aragon. The situation was especially critical during Thursday afternoon, when the flames advanced along the slopes near the complex and forced part of the teams to temporarily withdraw for safety reasons.

The Military Emergency Unit, the Civil Guard, the Nature Protection Agents, and Heritage technicians managed to enter the Old Monastery to retrieve its most valuable assets. The skeletal remains of the first Aragonese kings and other members of the royal lineage were transferred to the Huesca Museum, along with several archaeological pieces, mural paintings, and the ceremonial attire in which the Count of Aranda was buried.

The operation unfolded with smoke hindering communications and exit routes. The head of the UME's fourth battalion, Joaquín Núñez, explained that the military received instructions from specialists via calls and audio messages regarding the pieces they needed to rescue. The team had to leave the premises when the smoke made it unsustainable to remain in the area and returned later to complete the transfer.

The Old Monastery houses the Royal Pantheon of Ramiro I, Sancho Ramírez, and Pedro I and preserves one of Spain's most outstanding Romanesque cloisters. The enclave, considered the cradle of the Kingdom of Aragon, also guarded the Holy Grail for three centuries and hosted the first mass celebrated with the Roman rite on the Iberian Peninsula in 1071.

Jorge Azcón has warned that "concern remains at its maximum" and has described this Friday as a decisive day to contain the flames. "The number of resources working on this fire today may be historic," said the Aragonese president, who called for continued caution despite the expected drop in temperatures.

More than 500 personnel facing a still active fire

The operation brings together more than 500 professionals and 35 aerial assets, while Aragon awaits the possible incorporation of three aircraft requested from France. Ground and helitransported crews, fire engines, heavy machinery, UME personnel, resources from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, and resources sent by Catalonia, Navarre, La Rioja, the Valencian Community, and Castilla y León are participating.

The greatest efforts are concentrated on the right flank, the north, and the northeast of the fire. The advance towards Puente la Reina de Jaca and Alastuey remains among the main concerns, along with secondary outbreaks appearing in the southern area. Teams have worked throughout the night in the vicinity of Alastuey to defend homes, farms, and natural spaces.

Lieutenant General Javier Marcos, head of the UME, has assured that currently no front is beyond extinction capacity, although he has avoided declaring the fire under control. "I don't trust the evolution, and that's why we still have personnel there, defending both monasteries," he declared. The drop in temperatures, the loss of wind intensity, and possible storms could favor the work over the weekend.

The investigation into the origin of the flames remains open. Seprona has arrested a 28-year-old man for his alleged connection to the fire and is analyzing a stockpile of materials from the A-132 road works located at the starting point of the fire. The arrest will still need to translate into a complete reconstruction of how the flames began last Monday.

The Government of Aragon has also warned about the circulation of a false message requesting donations for affected farmers and ranchers. The expenses of those who collaborate with machinery in the extinction are assumed by the regional administration, which has asked the population not to give money or contribute to spreading the hoax.