Lorraine Williamson
A major wildfire in Huelva remained active on Tuesday lunchtime after a difficult overnight battle involving hundreds of emergency workers, evacuations and a major air-and-ground firefighting operation.
The fire, which broke out on Monday in the Los Turbios area of Villanueva de los Castillejos, has already affected more than 2,000 hectares, according to Spanish reports citing Andalucia’s emergency and firefighting authorities. Strong winds, dry vegetation and changing conditions have complicated efforts to bring it under control.
The situation has developed significantly since Monday evening. What began as a large rural fire with visible smoke across parts of Huelva has now become one of the most serious fire emergencies in Andalucia so far this season.
Hundreds evacuated as a precaution
Around 300 to 365 people have been evacuated or moved preventively from homes, estates and residential areas in and around San Bartolomé de la Torre.
Authorities have stressed that there has been no reported direct damage to homes, but preventive evacuations were ordered because of the spread of the flames, smoke and the possible risk to scattered properties.
The fire initially moved towards San Bartolomé de la Torre before advancing in the direction of Gibraleón. Emergency teams are paying particular attention to the left flank of the blaze, where wind changes could influence how the fire develops throughout the day.
More aircraft join the firefighting effort
Firefighting aircraft returned to the operation on Tuesday morning after being withdrawn overnight, as is standard practice once flying conditions become unsafe after dark.
In a midday update on X, EMA Infoca confirmed that 23 aerial resources were now involved in the operation. These include one light helicopter, six semi-heavy helicopters, three heavy helicopters, four ground-loading aircraft, four light amphibious aircraft, three heavy amphibious aircraft and two coordination aircraft.
They are working alongside large numbers of ground crews, fire engines and heavy machinery. During the night, hundreds of ground-based firefighters continued working to contain the fire and protect nearby properties.
The Plan Infoca operation has included forest firefighters, fire engines, a medical unit, a command post and bulldozer support. Provincial fire crews have also been involved in protecting homes and other vulnerable points.
Smoke and ash affect parts of Huelva
The fire has also caused a major smoke plume, with ash and haze visible across parts of the province, including areas closer to Huelva city and the coast.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke, keep doors and windows closed where possible and follow instructions from emergency services. Anyone with breathing problems, older residents and vulnerable people should take particular care if smoke levels increase locally.
The A-495 has also been affected, with traffic disruption reported between San Bartolomé de la Torre and Villanueva de los Castillejos. Drivers should avoid the area unless travel is essential and check official traffic updates before setting out.
This is separate from the Lepe fire
Authorities and local reports have also referred to another recent fire near the Waingunga area in Lepe, which had forced the preventive evacuation of 115 minors from a camp on Sunday.
That fire has since been extinguished. However, Monday’s Villanueva de los Castillejos wildfire is a separate incident and remains active.
The distinction matters because several fires have affected Huelva province in recent days, creating understandable confusion for residents following updates online.
Andalucia faces a difficult start to the fire season
The Huelva fire comes during a period of rising concern over summer wildfire risk in southern Spain. Hotter weather, dry vegetation and strong winds can quickly turn rural fires into fast-moving emergencies, especially in areas of scrubland, forest and scattered rural housing.
The province has already seen several fire incidents in recent days, including a previous blaze in the Alosno area. Emergency services are now focused on stabilising the Villanueva de los Castillejos fire and preventing further spread towards populated or vulnerable areas.
For now, residents are being urged to stay calm, avoid the affected zones and rely on official updates from emergency services, Plan Infoca, 112 Andalucía and local authorities.
The fire remains active, and further updates are expected throughout Tuesday as aerial and ground crews continue the operation.