Un large forest fire The fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon in the Sierra de Elgea (Álava), between the municipalities of Arriola and Narbaiza, has mobilized numerous emergency teams throughout the night and morning. By early Sunday afternoon, the fire was contained and had entered a stabilization phase, according to sources from the provincial government and the Department of Security. evolution and balance.
The unit works in coordination with units from the Álava parks of Nanclares, Campezo, and Agurain/Salvatierra, reinforced by forestry brigades from Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa. They operate on the ground. heavy machinery (including bulldozers) and tankers, opening firebreaks to protect forested areas of high ecological value and, as proposed by initiatives for clear mountains and prevent fires, reduce available fuel.
Location and chronology of the fire
The fire started around 20:00 PM Saturday, spreading rapidly through areas of scrub and bracken. During the night, the glow was visible from nearby areas and even from some points in Vitoria-Gasteiz and the Alava Plain.
On Sunday morning, at 9:30, the firefighters and Delta team shift change took place, with the work progressing favorably despite the southerly wind gusts, following the guidelines set out in the complete chronology from other fires. At noon, the arrival of rainfall helped contain the flames. With the early afternoon update, authorities confirmed that the perimeter was mapped out and the fire was stabilizing, although active spots remained inside.
From the first hour, the Department of Security indicated that the fire was still burning. asset, although with a positive evolution as the tasks progressed. The deputy general of Álava, Ramiro González, expressed his expectation that the fire would be controlled throughout the morning, a situation that was getting closer with the improvement of conditions and the reinforcement of resources, and it is claimed increase the means.
Extinguishing operation
The operation involves a helicopter based in Nanclares, which has carried out multiple water discharges on the most complex fronts. These aerial maneuvers are coordinated with ground teams, which use bulldozers to open defense lines and tankers to secure the perimeter areas, a coordination characteristic of rescue operations in protected areas.
The crews from Nanclares, Campezo, and Agurain/Salvatierra, along with brigades from Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, have been working tirelessly since last night. The priority has been to consolidate firewall and contain the advance towards forest areas of special interest, maintaining the safety of those involved and the population.
The troops have acted in a staggered and coordinated manner, with relief to sustain a continuous effort on the ground steep and difficult to accessThe presence of tall brush and dry vegetation has required extreme precautions on each side of the fire.
Meteorology and orography, determining factors
The episode has been fueled by the south wind, which during the morning recorded estimated gusts of between 40 and 60 km / h, and for several days with unusually high temperatures for the time, as reported measures and advice In the face of the heat wave and wind. The mountain range's topography and the density of plant fuel have complicated firefighting efforts.
With the arrival of rain at noon The intensity of the flames has been reduced, facilitating the joint work of the ground and air forces. Nevertheless, those responsible for the operation have maintained vigilance to prevent flare-ups within the established perimeter.
Affection, safety and environment
According to initial assessments, they have mainly burned areas of weeds and ferns. They are not recorded injured people nor have evictions been ordered. Nor have population centers been affected, and the wind farm located on the crest of the mountain range has not suffered damage.
The Department of Security has asked the public to avoid getting close to the intervention area to avoid interfering with the work and to preserve safety. The visibility of the flames at night from nearby areas generated excitement, but authorities reiterate that there is no risk to people in the surrounding populations.
Causes and ongoing investigations
The origin of the fire remains undetermined. Technical investigations will be activated as soon as the fire is completely under control and the starting points and possible fires can be safely accessed. arrests for fires if signs are detected.
Emergency sources have highlighted the abundance of fine fuel in the mountains, which favored the initial spread. The Narbaiza Administrative Board has pointed out the accumulation of vegetation due to the lack of grazing and clearing work, a circumstance that, in his opinion, would have contributed to the virulence of the episode; these issues will be the subject of analysis, without establishing specific causes for the moment, and solutions such as repopulation and management.
With the perimeter already consolidated and the fire in stabilizationThe teams are continuing to extinguish and monitor the internal fires, while also reinforcing defense lines. The combination of air and ground resources, improved weather, and inter-institutional coordination have been key to stopping the spread of the flames without causing personal injury or harming sensitive infrastructure.
