A fire in Villa del Prado has forced the evacuation of over 1,500 residents, leaving the El Encinar urbanisation without access. The situation is in the control phase, but the damage is already significant.
The El Encinar del Alberche urbanisation in Villa del Prado remains under threat after a fire that has led to the evacuation of more than 1,500 residents. Early on Thursday, firefighters managed to control the blaze, although it is not yet considered stabilised. According to sources from 112 Comunidad de Madrid, the perimeter remained intact overnight thanks to the continuous efforts of emergency teams.
Efforts to consolidate the perimeter continue with the active participation of 13 pumps and two water tanks, along with aerial resources that have joined this morning. Despite the progress, authorities have decided to keep the urbanisation evacuated until it is safe to return.
The fire also forced the confinement of the municipality of Villa del Prado and the evacuation of elderly people due to the imminent threat. The Guardia Civil issued alerts for nearby residents to move towards Aldea del Fresno as a precaution.
Throughout the night, many residents were able to return to their homes; however, those in El Encinar still face uncertainty about the state of their properties. So far, at least 30 houses have been completely destroyed, raising concerns among those waiting to return.
Sergio Rubio, a representative of local Civil Protection, emphasised the need for caution before allowing people to return: "We cannot risk lives; we need to ensure safety first." Psychological services are assisting the evacuees to help them cope with the trauma caused by this devastating experience.
In a sports centre set up as a temporary shelter, around 200 residents are receiving basic assistance such as food and blankets provided by the Red Cross and the Town Hall. Francisco, one of the evacuees, recounted his experience: "When we saw the flames approaching quickly, we decided to flee; we just wanted to escape."
As the operation to control the fire progresses, residents express their anxiety about what they will find upon returning: "I don’t know if my house has survived," commented another distressed neighbour. Ángel highlighted how the preventive measures implemented during the winter helped avoid a greater tragedy.
As efforts continue and a complete damage assessment is expected in the coming hours, it is clear that this fire has left a deep mark on the local community.
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