The forest fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon in the municipality of Pinofranqueado, in the Las Hurdes region of Cáceres province, has put the entire region on alert. The plume of smoke is visible from several points in the province of Salamanca, about three kilometers away, and the Infoex Plan raised the operational level to 2 at 16:30 p.m. This level is activated when the fire could endanger the population or property, and requires the deployment of additional state resources.
The rapid spread of the flames, which began around 14:50 p.m., has forced the precautionary evacuation of approximately 600 people from eight hamlets: Avellanar, Castillo, Erías, Horcajo, El Gasco, Martinlandrán, La Fragosa, and Robledo. All evacuees have been taken to the Gregorio Marañón student residence in Caminomorisco, although the Pinofranqueado Documentation Center has also been designated as an alternative meeting point. Additionally, the residents of a center for people with disabilities located in La Fragosa have been evacuated.
Fire in Pinofranqueado: evacuations and level 2
The operation continues to expand. According to the latest data from Infoex, 123 personnel are working in the area, including nine ground-based forest fire units, eight helicopter-borne units, two environmental agents, and five fire suppression technicians. In the air, twelve helicopters and five amphibious aircraft are making continuous water drops on the most active fire fronts, while four units of heavy machinery are creating firebreaks in the most difficult access areas.
The declaration of Level 2 allows for the deployment of state resources. In fact, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) has mobilized the First Emergency Intervention Battalion, which departed from its base in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) for northern Extremadura. Forest fire reinforcement brigades (BRIF) from Ávila (La Iglesuela) and Toledo (Puerto Pico) have also joined the effort, working alongside the BRIF from Pinofranqueado in direct firefighting and providing support at height.
Deployment of firefighting resources
Alongside the Infoex Plan, personnel from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), firefighters from the Cáceres Provincial Council (SEPEI), Civil Guard officers, and staff from the Castilla y León Forest Fire Service (INFOCYL) are participating. The Advanced Command Post (PMA) has been set up at the BRIF base in Pinofranqueado, from where all operations are being coordinated.
Authorities remind the public that, in the event of such an activation, they must follow official instructions, stay away from affected areas and aircraft, and under no circumstances use drones, as they could cause serious accidents and hinder firefighting efforts. They also request cooperation in not obstructing access roads.
Interregional aid and security measures
Solidarity between communities has become evident. In addition to the Military Emergency Unit (UME) and the Forest Fire Brigades (BRIF) from other regions, the operation has the collaboration of Castile and León through INFOCYL (the regional environmental agency). The proximity to Salamanca means the smoke is visible in towns like Ciudad Rodrigo, and some residents have expressed concern about the potential impact on air quality.
The Regional Government of Extremadura has activated its Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires (Infocaex) at level 2, and does not rule out raising the level if the fire's evolution requires it. For now, the flames remain active and the teams are working tirelessly. The priority is to protect people and property, and to contain a fire reminiscent of the one that devastated the Las Hurdes region a year ago.
With 600 people evacuated and a large-scale ground and air operation underway, the situation remains critical. Authorities are urging caution and maximum public cooperation. The fire's evolution will depend on weather conditions and the efforts of the firefighting teams, who are working tirelessly to control a blaze that has once again put this region of Cáceres on edge.