A devastating wildfire in the Zaragoza region of Spain has forced approximately 1,000 people to evacuate and has scorched nearly 16,000 hectares of land, an area comparable to the size of Manchester. The blaze, which ignited on Wednesday, has been classified as one of the most severe forest fires in the country this year and remains far from being contained, according to local authorities.
Drone Footage Captures Wall of Flames
New drone footage released by Spain's Guardia Civil reveals the sheer scale of the inferno. The video shows towering columns of smoke illuminated by yellow flames as the fire sweeps through the historic Cinco Villas district. From above, the orange perimeter of the wildfire stretches for miles, advancing at an estimated speed of 60 metres per minute.
The fire has entered what Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, Aragón's regional minister for finance, the interior and public administration, described as a "critical and complex stage" due to unpredictable weather conditions. He stressed that the administration's "absolute priority remains protecting people" in the fire's path.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Roughly 400 emergency personnel, supported by 19 aircraft, have been battling the flames for consecutive days. Authorities fear it could take several days to bring the fire fully under control, with humidity levels dropping and strong winds pushing the fire westward.
Residents in the areas of Malpica de Arba, Orés, Asín, Luesia and Uncastillo—where properties have already been damaged—have been instructed to evacuate. Those in the surrounding Uncastillo area received an ES-Alert, Spain's national emergency warning system.
Displacement and Support
Evacuees have been relocated to stay with family members or accommodated at a sports centre in Ejea de los Caballeros, which currently houses approximately 80 people. Additionally, 54 care home residents from affected areas have been transferred to alternative facilities in Zaragoza. The Red Cross, the Aragon Institute of Social Services, and the regional emergency psychological intervention team are providing psychological support to those displaced.
