Lorraine Williamson
A major firefighting operation is continuing in Huelva province after a forest fire broke out between Ayamonte and Villablanca on Saturday afternoon. After almost seven hours of extinction work, INFOCA reported that smoke from the fire had diminished noticeably. However, the blaze had not been declared stabilised or controlled at the time of publication.
Emergency operation expands in Ayamonte
The fire began in the Pedraza area and was initially identified as the Villablanca fire. Its official designation was later changed to the Ayamonte fire as the emergency developed.
Approximately 130 personnel have been deployed on the ground, including 11 groups of forest firefighters, four BRICA reinforcement brigades, seven operations technicians and a command team. Three fire engines, two bulldozers and a specialist medical unit were also activated.
Fifteen aircraft have been assigned to the operation. The aerial response includes light, medium and heavy helicopters, four land-based water-bombing aircraft, two amphibious planes and command and coordination aircraft.
Smoke diminishes after seven hours
Video recorded from one of INFOCA’s helicopters showed a marked reduction in the smoke above the Pedraza area after almost seven hours of firefighting.
The update indicates that crews are making progress, but INFOCA has not yet formally classified the fire as stabilised. A fire may continue to present a risk even after the smoke and flames appear to have subsided.
A-499 closed near Ayamonte
The A-499 was closed in both directions between kilometres 1 and 17, affecting the route between Ayamonte and San Silvestre de Guzmán.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the affected section and consult current traffic information before travelling through the area.
Ayamonte Town Council activated its Municipal Emergency Plan and joined the emergency services at the advanced command post established at Villablanca fire station. Officials said they were monitoring the fire’s development and the changing wind direction.
Crews continue work into the evening
The fire is affecting an area of low scrub and rockrose. Strong winds have complicated the response, although officials reported that the wind had shifted towards the south during the operation.
Residents should continue to follow instructions from the emergency services and avoid approaching the area. Further updates are expected as INFOCA works to stabilise the fire.
The controlled fire at El Rompido, also reported by INFOCA on Saturday evening, is a separate incident.