Lorraine Williamson
Residents of two communities in the province of Segovia have been evacuated after a wildfire intensified on Sunday evening, prompting authorities to raise the emergency to Level 2 and order precautionary measures to protect lives and property.
The fire, near Navas de San Antonio, spread rapidly after strong winds reignited hotspots from Saturday’s blaze. Emergency services ordered the evacuation of Los Ángeles de San Rafael and Vegas de Matute, while nearby Valdeprados was placed under a confinement order.
The Junta de Castilla y León declared an Infocal Level 2 emergency (IGR 2) after the fire began threatening populated areas and requiring additional emergency resources.
Residents able to leave independently were advised to do so, while buses were provided for people requiring assistance. A municipal sports centre was opened to accommodate evacuees as emergency services coordinated the operation.
Wind changes fuel rapid spread
Firefighters had made progress during the day before changing wind conditions caused the blaze to intensify again on Sunday afternoon.
The difficult conditions forced emergency coordinators to move quickly from monitoring the situation to ordering evacuations as flames approached residential areas.
Ground crews, aerial resources and emergency personnel continued working into the evening in an effort to prevent further spread.
Second wildfire adds pressure
Emergency services are also dealing with a second wildfire at Revenga, also in Segovia province.
Although currently classified at a lower emergency level, the blaze has reportedly damaged infrastructure linked to the water supply serving El Espinar. This is adding further pressure to firefighting operations across the province.
Authorities continue to monitor both incidents while weather conditions remain challenging.
Spain battles multiple major wildfires
The Segovia emergency comes as Spain continues to battle several significant wildfires across different regions.
Large firefighting operations remain under way in Huelva, where thousands of hectares have been affected by the Niebla fire, while emergency crews are also tackling the Tírig wildfire in Castellón following a series of lightning strikes earlier in the weekend.
The latest outbreak in Segovia highlights the continuing strain on emergency services as high temperatures, dry vegetation and changing winds combine to increase wildfire risk across much of the country.
Residents are being urged to avoid affected areas, follow official instructions and monitor emergency updates as firefighters continue working through the night.