Evacuations in Colmenar Viejo as Grass Fire Escalates
The Civil Guard has taken drastic measures to safeguard residents in the El Rondelo residential area of Colmenar Viejo, evacuating all homes as a significant grass fire rages nearby. The fire, which ignited Thursday afternoon in the adjacent municipality of Tres Cantos, has already consumed approximately 250 hectares of land. Reports indicate that the Community of Madrid's Forest Fire Operations (INFOMA) has heightened the alert level to 2 due to the circumstances.
In response to the rapidly spreading flames, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been called in to assist, bolstering the firefighting efforts with multiple resources. Emergency services have reported that seven individuals suffered mild intoxications from smoke inhalation, necessitating treatment from SUMMA112. Among those affected are four residents aged 45 and 55, who were transferred to La Paz Hospital, as well as three Civil Guard officers.
Firefighting operations commenced around 2 PM local time, engaging 30 units from Community Firefighters, alongside four aerial resources and 26 ground units. Brigades and forest agents are also on the ground, but their efforts are being hampered by shifting winds and the challenging terrain of the area.
Currently, a command post for the firefighting efforts has been established at the Tres Cantos Fairgrounds on Avenida de los Artesanos, providing a central hub for coordinating the response to this urgent situation. As the community watches and waits, the focus remains on containing the fire and ensuring the safety of all residents in the vicinity.
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