Evacuation of Over 100 Individuals in Las Hurdes, Extremadura Region
In the heart of the Cáceres region, a wildfire has broken out in the municipality of Caminomorisco, posing a significant challenge for the local authorities. The Minister of Presidency, Interior, and Social Dialogue, Abel Bautista, is presiding over the meeting of the direction of the Cecopi from the Advanced Command Post, evaluating the evolution of the fire.
Joining him in the effort is Ignacio Higuero, the Minister of Forest Management and Rural World of the Junta de Extremadura. The duo is working tirelessly to contain the blaze, which has forced the evacuation of approximately 120 residents from six farmsteads, including La Huerta, Dehesilla, Avellanar, Cambron, Robledo, and Mesegal.
However, due to careful planning and swift action, no vulnerable people have been evacuated, ensuring a faster and safer evacuation process. Those evacuated have been temporarily housed at the residence of Caminomorisco, while others have chosen to stay with relatives.
The difficult terrain of the wooded area has made ground operations challenging, necessitating the use of only aerial means and heavy machinery to contain the wildfire. In response to this, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) is on its way to reinforce the device in the area, with a total of 150 personnel, including military from the Military Emergency Unit, deployed to control the flames.
Wind conditions are currently unfavourable, but there is hope that they will improve from 3:00 AM. Despite the challenges, public awareness and civic responsibility are crucial for protecting these ecosystems and minimizing the damage that fires can cause.
Notable decisions made during the meeting include the initial evacuation plan for Horcajo, which was later discarded. The upper part of Caminomorisco was evacuated, affecting around 30 people. The 112 of Extremadura reported the closure of the EX-204 road between kilometers 44 and 49 for safety reasons.
The minister described the fire as "a very complicated fire," with a changing gusty wind, initially ascending and now descending in the valley, making extinction work difficult. The name of the minister leading the direction of Cecopi and participating in the evaluation of the development of the Las Hurdes wildfire ahead of the advancing command post is not specified in the provided information.
The Junta de Extremadura activated the level 2 operational situation of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCAEX) due to the fire, implying the need to incorporate state resources. This decision underscores the importance of taking precautions during the summer months, as forest fires like the one currently raging in northern Cáceres serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers these ecosystems face.
