19 May 2023 | 08:16 AM UTC
Spain: Emergency crews working to contain wildfire in Caceres Province, Extremadura Autonomous Community, as of May 19
Emergency crews working to contain a wildfire in Caceres Province, Spain, as of May 19. Evacuations and road closures ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain a wildfire in northern Caceres Province, Extremadura Autonomous Community, as of May 19. The fire broke out near Pinofranqueado in Las Hurdes comarca late May 17 and has spread towards the Arrago Valley in neighboring Sierra de Gata comarca. More than 200 firefighting personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Strong winds are fanning the fire and hampering firefighting efforts. Further wildfire growth is likely over the coming hours and days.
Authorities evacuated premises close to the fire on May 18 and ordered the preventative evacuations of around 550 people from the settlements of Cadalso, Descargamaria, and Robledillo de Gata early May 19. Evacuated residents are being housed in municipal facilities in Moraleja. Authorities could implement new evacuation orders depending on evolving wildfire conditions. Several roads are closed in the vicinity of the fire, including sections of the EX-204 highway.
Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
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.
