Lorraine Williamson
The major wildfire burning in Huelva remained active late on Tuesday, with emergency crews continuing a difficult operation after more than 3,600 hectares were affected and a further 26 people were preventively evacuated near Gibraleón.
The fire, which broke out on Monday in the Los Turbios area of Villanueva de los Castillejos, has developed into one of Andalucia’s most serious early-summer fire emergencies. Strong winds, dry vegetation, and changing conditions have made the response complex.
Spanish reports said the fire had forced the evacuation or preventive movement of 352 people. By Tuesday evening, 121 of them had still not been able to return home.
Gibraleón area remains under close watch
The Gibraleón area remained one of the main points of concern late on Tuesday as crews worked on several active parts of the fire.
Antonio Sanz, Andalucia’s regional minister for the Presidency, said emergency teams were working on the left flank, where the fire has the greatest amount of vegetation available to burn, as well as at the head of the fire near Gibraleón and at the tail, close to where it began.
He said crews were trying to eliminate reactivations expected because of the increase in wind speed, which was also making smoke columns more visible.
On Tuesday afternoon, a further 26 people were preventively evacuated from the Venta de los Cazadores urbanisation. The N-431 was also closed in both directions between the Cazadores junction and the entrance to Gibraleón, around the river bridge area, from kilometre 90.5 to 93.
Drivers should avoid the area and follow instructions from emergency and traffic authorities.
Hundreds of firefighters remain in the field
Plan Infoca has kept a large operation in place, with around 360 personnel involved, supported by 23 aerial resources during daylight hours, 13 fire engines, heavy machinery, and ground brigades.
As night fell, aerial resources were withdrawn, while ground crews remained in the area to continue containment work and protect vulnerable points.
The emergency plan for forest fires remains activated in operational phase 1, which allows additional resources to be coordinated where homes, roads, or public safety may be affected.
Smoke, ash and public safety advice
The fire has produced a large smoke plume visible across parts of Huelva province, with ash and haze affecting several areas since Monday.
Residents in areas affected by smoke should keep doors and windows closed where possible, avoid unnecessary exposure, and take extra care if they have breathing problems. Older people, children, and vulnerable residents should be especially cautious.
Emergency services continue to ask the public not to travel towards the fire zone. Crowding roads or trying to approach the affected area can delay emergency vehicles and put more people at risk.
A difficult night ahead
Although some fronts have been contained, the fire remains active, and its evolution is still being described as complex.
The priority overnight is to hold the areas already contained, prevent the left flank from spreading further, and protect homes, rural properties, and roads near the affected zone.
Further updates are expected from Plan Infoca and emergency authorities as conditions change.