Spain activates EU civil protection mechanism as Riglos wildfire burns 16,600 hectares in Huesca

Fire progression and current scope

The wildfire in Las Peñas de Riglos (Huesca) was declared on Monday 10 August at 12:37 and has now been active for eight days. As of the latest count on Sunday 16 August, the provisional affected area stands at 16,600 hectares. The fire has forced the evacuation of 19 urban nuclei, displacing 1,045 residents who remain away from their homes. A suspected responsible party has been detained and sent to Zuera prison in Zaragoza, where the investigation continues. The fire's right flank continues advancing northeast toward Monte Oroel, near Jaca, while the axis between Bernués and the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña remains another delicate zone.

Operational response reaches 1,000 personnel

The extinction operation reached approximately 1,000 personnel on Sunday, the largest deployment ever assembled in Aragón, supported by between 35 and 40 aerial means. The Government of Aragón activated the National Forest Fire Mechanism on Saturday, enabling the arrival of 100 French firefighters with a Super Puma helicopter and support units. Reinforcements have also come from Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Murcia, Catalonia, Navarra, Valencia, Castilla y León, and La Rioja. The Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) contributes three FOCA planes, three light amphibious aircraft, a coordination plane, and four BRIF units with eight helicopters. The Ministry of Defense maintains four sections of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) and two bulldozers. Infoar, the Aragón government's wildfire service, deploys three light helicopters, two medium helicopters, one coordination helicopter, 12 ground crews, five helitransported crews, 12 fire engines, eight bulldozers, and an Advanced Command Post vehicle.

EU Civil Protection Mechanism activated

Spain activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to combat the Riglos fire, as confirmed by European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hajda Lahbib on social media. She described the French teams en route as an example of the EU's "unwavering solidarity during an intense wildfire season." The French firefighters are already on their way to relieve Spanish crews.

Right flank toward Monte Oroel remains the concern

Extinction Director Francho Aso reported that crews achieved "very good evolution" across much of the perimeter after a calmer night with high humidity and little wind. For the first time in several days, no thermal inversion occurred, allowing aerial means to begin operating earlier than usual. However, the right flank advancing toward Monte Oroel remains the primary concern. The Government of Aragón issued a new ES-ALERT urging people to avoid excursions in the forest area around Monte Oroel. Aso warned that the central hours of the day bring greater complexity due to rising temperatures, dropping humidity, and wind shifts.

We do not rule out any scenario in the evolution of the fire in that area and we have to keep working.

Rain has been ruled out for Sunday, with unfavorable wind expected. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C with wind gusts reaching 35 km/h. Interior Counselor Roberto Bermúdez de Castro cautioned that Monday through Wednesday will bring "very unfavorable" temperatures for bringing the fire under control.

Evacuees endure eighth day away from home

Among those displaced, residents expressed fatigue and worry. Ramón, an evacuee, described the strain of waiting.

Here it's very nice, but it gets tiring because you think about what you left behind.

He lamented the loss of orchards he and his neighbors had tended, noting that after eight days without watering, the crops will be dry when they return. King Felipe VI called Aragón President Jorge Azcón by phone to express concern and asked him to convey his support and affection to the mayors of affected municipalities.