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Doñana fire brought under control as 75% of Andalusian towns face wildfire risk
Firefighters remain at the scene while officials warn of another dangerous summer ahead
The wildfire that swept through part of Doñana National Park has now been brought under control, but firefighters remain at the scene as Andalucía faces growing concerns over another intense summer fire season.More than 75% of municipalities across the region are now officially classified as wildfire risk zones, according to figures released by the Junta de Andalucía. That amounts to 601 municipalities out of Andalusia’s 785 towns and cities.
The blaze, which broke out on Sunday May 25 in the Rincón del Membrillo area of Almonte, Huelva, burned through more than 400 hectares close to one of Spain’s most environmentally sensitive protected areas. The fire was stabilised earlier this week after a major emergency operation involving more than 100 personnel and aerial support.
On Wednesday May 27 at 10.15pm, the Infoca Plan officially declared the fire “under control.”
Antonio Sanz, the Andalusian regional minister for Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue and Administrative Simplification, described the development as “good news”, while confirming that crews are still working towards “the complete extinguishment of this fire.”
Overnight, teams remained in the area with three fire engines, 21 forest firefighters, technical staff and logistics personnel continuing cooling and surveillance work. During Wednesday, the operation included more than 100 personnel, six fire engines, heavy machinery and aircraft support, including two ground cargo planes and a medium-heavy helicopter.
The latest blaze has once again highlighted the increasing pressure facing emergency services across Andalusia as temperatures rise heading into summer.
Regional authorities say prevention work is now just as important as firefighting itself. One of the main measures involves the creation of firebreaks, strips of cleared land designed to slow the spread of flames. The Junta has also expanded controlled grazing programmes through the RAPCA initiative, using livestock to naturally reduce dry vegetation in high-risk areas.
Alongside this, the Forest Road Network, known as Redvia, has been strengthened to improve access for emergency crews and firefighting vehicles across rural areas. The network now covers more than 18,800 kilometres.
This year’s Infoca campaign includes 4,700 professionals, 108 fire engines and 43 aircraft stationed throughout Andalusia. Authorities say 84% of the heavy vehicle fleet has now been renewed following an investment of €30 million.
Officials admitted that increasingly extreme weather conditions have forced wildfire prevention plans to evolve rapidly in recent years.
“Due to changing weather conditions, this plan has been continuously adapted,” the regional government explained in its latest fire prevention strategy.
he Junta is also working with municipalities to update local emergency plans and improve cooperation with Portugal through the €14 million CILUMES project, a cross-border initiative aimed at improving wildfire prevention, surveillance and emergency response.
Although the Doñana fire is now under control, crews are expected to remain in the area until all risk of flare-ups has passed completely.
Image: wikicommons
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