Tragic Loss and Ongoing Battle Against Wildfires in Ávila

A 58-year-old forest firefighter from the Mancomunidad de los Galayos in Ávila tragically lost his life in a traffic accident while en route to his base in El Hornillo. He was on his way to join the firefighting efforts in response to a significant wildfire impacting the area. This incident was reported shortly after the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, highlighted the involvement of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) in battling the blaze, which threatens an area of immense natural richness. The wildfire reportedly began late on Monday night near the Barranco de las Cinco Villas in the municipality of Cuevas del Valle, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. As dawn broke on Tuesday, the first aerial resources were deployed, responding to the escalating situation that led to the declaration of a Potential Severity Index 2 (IGR 2) early in the morning. Operational Situation 2 (SIT2) was also established, mobilizing over fifty resources, including ground crews, fire trucks, environmental agents, and specialized technicians. The fire has prompted significant evacuations, with fourteen chalets evacuated and around fifty residents relocated to a municipal pavilion in Mombeltrán. To ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts, the Civil Guard closed part of National Road N502. Currently, approximately 250 personnel—comprising of ground teams, aerial support, and heavy machinery—are actively working to control and extinguish the fire, which has been challenging due to the strong winds characteristic of the region. As of now, the fire remains uncontrolled, and operations officials report that the flames have maintained an active perimeter. Álvaro Gómez, the head of the firefighting operation, stated that the fire's rapid evolution and spread underscore the difficulties faced by the teams on the ground. José Francisco Hernández, the delegate of the Junta in Ávila, noted that emergency meetings have been held to assess the ongoing situation, a reflection of the urgency and seriousness of the response initiatives underway. Despite aerial resources being unable to operate overnight, ground personnel have successfully prevented the flames from encroaching upon urban areas and non-forestry properties. Hernández praised the efforts of the professionals working under extremely challenging conditions, asserting that with the support of aerial resources becoming available, there is hope to establish a perimeter around the fire, though much work lies ahead in controlling the situation. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2