The Burgohondo fire, the largest recorded in Spain, has already devastated more than 50,000 hectares and maintains two active fronts

The forest fire that began last Wednesday in Burgohondo remains active after devastating some 50,000 hectares in the province of Ávila. The fire covers an approximate perimeter of 160 kilometers between the two slopes of the Sierra de Gredos and is already considered the largest documented in Spain since records began.

The flames are now advancing at a slower pace and a good part of the perimeter is contained, although those responsible for the extinction still rule out speaking of stabilization. Five days after the start of the fire, efforts are concentrated in the Mijares pass and the surroundings of Casillas, the two areas that remain active and present a greater risk to inhabited areas.

The emergency of national interest remains in force in Ávila, Madrid, and Toledo. This declaration keeps the Ministry of Interior in charge of coordinating state, regional, and local resources. The fires of Burgohondo and the Sierra Oeste of Madrid are managed within the same operation, made up of more than 3,000 professionals and around a thousand terrestrial, aerial, and support resources.

Mijares and Casillas concentrate the efforts

The technical director of the fire, Alejandro Peñalvo, explained that the teams have worked throughout the night to contain a flare-up on a forest track near the Mijares pass. The personnel managed to hold that point and prepared the entry of aerial resources to reduce the intensity of the flames and allow the advance of personnel deployed on the ground.

The situation has been more complicated in Casillas. The slope and difficulty of access prevented the use of heavy machinery during the night, so the operation focused the day on creating a security belt around the municipality through the coordinated action of aircraft and ground brigades.

The fire reached the peri-urban area of Casillas in recent hours and damaged some homes, facilities, and constructions, several of them disused. Delicate moments were also recorded in Sotillo de la Adrada and Casavieja, where embers driven by the wind overcame roads and defense lines and forced the reinforcement of protection for urban areas.

The wind shift to the south has offered more favorable conditions for extinction this Monday. As Peñalvo explained, this direction reduces the risk of the flames continuing to descend towards the M-501 road and facilitates work in Casillas. The forecast indicates that the wind will blow from the north again during the night, so the teams are trying to secure both sectors before conditions change again.

"There is still finishing work to be done, as the perimeter and surface area are very large," warned the technical director. The priority is to prevent any re-ignition from exceeding the safety zones and threatening the municipalities again. Starting Wednesday, AEMET forecasts a new heatwave that will raise temperatures, reduce humidity, and once again increase the risk of fire.

Almost 34,000 people remain affected

The fire has kept 25,087 people evacuated from 16 localities and another 8,735 confined in three municipalities, according to the latest available balance. Reconnaissance flights continue to examine the perimeter before deciding on possible rehousing or changes in restrictions.

Evacuations remain in effect in Sotillo de la Adrada, Navahondilla, Casillas, Santa María del Tiétar, La Adrada, Piedralaves, Casavieja, Burgohondo, El Hoyo de Pinares, Villanueva de Ávila, La Atalaya de El Tiemblo, Pedro Bernardo, Higuera de las Dueñas, Gavilanes, Mijares and Fresnedilla. Navaluenga, El Tiemblo and Cebreros remain confined.

The Government delegate in Castilla y León, Nicanor Sen, has assured that any return must have the same safety guarantees that motivated the evacuations. Technicians will review each municipality separately, as the situation changes considerably between areas where the perimeter is secured and those that still have active hotspots.

Smoke reaches Ávila capital

The enormous column of smoke generated by the fire can already be seen from Ávila capital and from other nearby towns. Civil Protection has recommended reducing outdoor activities, especially among people with respiratory problems, minors, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

Authorities advise remaining indoors when the presence of smoke is intense, keeping doors and windows closed, and avoiding outdoor sports. They also ask to seek medical attention for breathing difficulties, chest pain, or a persistent cough.

One person arrested and aid for those affected

The Civil Guard maintains an open investigation into the origin of the fire. One person was arrested and another remains under investigation for using heavy machinery in an area where its use was prohibited due to extreme risk. The initial investigations suggest that a spark generated during these works started the flames.

The Junta de Castilla y León has announced that it will appear in the case against whoever is responsible. The regional government has also begun distributing hay, straw, fodder, and water to affected livestock farms, whose animals have lost a good part of their grazing areas.

Alfonso Fernández Mañueco has announced that the Governing Council will approve this Thursday a package of aid for displaced families, farmers, ranchers, self-employed individuals, businesses, and affected municipalities. The plan will include support to repair homes and facilities, recover farms, and cover expenses derived from shelters.