Lorraine Williamson
A major wildfire in Huesca remains out of control on Wednesday morning after affecting around 4,200 hectares and forcing hundreds of residents from eight communities to leave their homes.
Around 440 people remain evacuated as firefighters continue tackling the Las Peñas de Riglos blaze. The operation faces another difficult day as high temperatures threaten to complicate efforts to secure the fire’s extensive perimeter.
The evacuations affect Villalangua, Salinas de Jaca, Ena, Centenero, Arbués, Bailo, Larués and Alastuey. The emergency remains one of Spain’s most serious active wildfires as crews attempt to consolidate ground gained during the overnight operation.
The latest figure of 440 evacuees replaces higher provisional estimates circulated during Tuesday as the evacuation operation expanded.
Crews try to secure a 60-kilometre perimeter
The scale of the challenge extends well beyond the number of hectares affected. The fire has developed a perimeter of approximately 60 kilometres which remains unconsolidated, meaning crews still have substantial stretches where the flames could regain strength or break through defensive positions.
Firefighters made progress on parts of the blaze overnight, but the fire remains active and authorities have warned that the operation is likely to continue for several days.
Tuesday proved particularly difficult as rising temperatures caused renewed activity on parts of the fire. Hundreds of emergency personnel and a large aerial operation were deployed during the day as crews attempted to slow its advance.
The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been among the resources supporting the regional firefighting operation.
Eight communities wait to return home
For hundreds of residents, Wednesday begins away from home.
The eight evacuated communities are spread across the area threatened by the fire, with residents moved as conditions deteriorated and authorities sought to keep evacuation routes clear before flames or smoke could make leaving more difficult.
No return has yet been announced for the 440 people who remain displaced on Wednesday morning.
The decision on when residents can go home will depend on firefighters being able to secure the perimeter and emergency officials determining that roads and communities can be accessed safely.
Eclipse brings an unusual complication
Wednesday is already an exceptional day for Aragón because the region lies within the path of totality for Spain’s total solar eclipse.
Large numbers of visitors have travelled to Aragón for the event, with organised observation areas established across the region. The combination of additional visitors, exceptionally dry vegetation and an active major wildfire makes compliance with emergency and traffic instructions particularly important.
Anyone travelling through Huesca should check road conditions before setting out and avoid routes affected by emergency operations. Roads required by firefighters and other emergency vehicles must remain clear.
The wildfire also serves as a stark reminder of why authorities have repeatedly warned eclipse spectators against entering restricted forest areas or creating any source of ignition.
Major fires continue elsewhere in Spain
Las Peñas de Riglos is not the only major wildfire still demanding substantial resources.
In Huelva, the Niebla fire remains active after affecting around 25,000 hectares, although its rate of spread has slowed significantly. Meanwhile, the situation in Segovia has improved sufficiently for residents evacuated because of the Navas de San Antonio fire to return home.
The position in Huesca remains considerably less settled. With the fire still uncontrolled and its perimeter not yet secured, Wednesday’s operation will focus on consolidating defensive lines before daytime heat again increases the risk of more aggressive fire behaviour.