Tragic Fire in Tres Cantos, Madrid Claims Life and Displaces Residents

A devastating fire broke out in Tres Cantos, Madrid, at approximately 17:45 GMT on Monday, injuring two individuals. Unfortunately, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, and another, an 83-year-old man, sustained serious chest injuries. The blaze, which has remained active, has caused significant damage to a residential complex and is projected to have scorched about a thousand hectares in just a few hours, spreading rapidly over several kilometers. Numerous residents of the affected housing complex, which includes independent chalets, townhouses, and several apartment buildings, gathered early Tuesday morning to observe the firefighting efforts, anxiously awaiting clearance to return to their homes after being evacuated the previous afternoon. In response to the fire's swift escalation, authorities and emergency services established an advanced command post at the Tres Cantos fairgrounds. They made the critical decision to evacuate the Soto de Viñuelas housing complex, as well as Fuente El Fresno, given the flames were fueled by strong gusts of wind. Out of the 180 residents who were evacuated, 100 were provided temporary housing in two sports centers designated by the Tres Cantos City Council. Others sought refuge with family or friends. As of noon on Tuesday, evacuated residents have begun returning home, as confirmed by Tres Cantos Mayor Jesús Moreno, bringing a sigh of relief to many who had faced uncertainty and displacement due to this catastrophic event. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2