Spain: Emergency crews working to contain wildfires in Caceres Province, Extremadura Autonomous Community, as of July 15 /update 1

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain two wildfires in Caceres Province in Extremadura Autonomous Community as of July 15. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fires. The fires have broken out amid an ongoing heatwave across the Iberian Peninsula. The persistent hot, dry, and windy conditions are likely to lead to further fire growth in the coming hours and days.

One fire started in the Las Hurdes area of Caceres Province July 11 and is also affecting parts of Salamanca Province in southwestern Castile and Leon Autonomous Community. As of July 15, the fire has grown to around 5,500 hectares (13,591 acres) in size. More than 170 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Hundreds of people have recently been evacuated from at-risk communities in both Salamanca and Caceres provinces. Affected locations include Las Mestas, Ladrillar, Cabezo, Aceitunilla, Riomalo de Arriba Batuequilla, and La Horcajada in Caceres Province and Monsagro, Guadapero, and Morasverdes in Salamanca Province.

Another fire broke out in the Monfrague National Park in Caceres Province July 14. As of July 15, more than 180 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Authorities evacuated around 130 residents of the threatened municipality of Casas de Miravete to a sports pavilion in Almaraz early July 15. A section of the N5 highway has been closed due to the fire.

Emergency responders may implement further road closures at short notice depending on evolving wildfire conditions and operational needs. Smoke from the fire could cause poor air quality in the affected area. Authorities may introduce further mandatory evacuation orders at short notice. The fire could also lead to power supply disruptions.

Advice

Heed any evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.