The Orés fire is already breaking records in Aragon: it is the second most devastating since there are data and the worst in 30 years

A drone survey has revealed the devastation left behind by the wildfire raging through the village of Orés in the region of Zaragoza, Spain. The fire, which began on Wednesday and remains under control, has scorched over 15,000 hectares, making it the second-largest recorded forest fire in Aragón’s history. Only the 1994 blaze in the Maestrazgo area surpasses this scale. The affected zone spans parts of the Cinco Villas region, with five municipalities, Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba, and Uncastillo, evacuated due to the threat posed by the flames. Preventive measures have also been taken in Petilla de Aragón, located in Navarra. The fire continues to burn unchecked, with efforts focused on identifying hotspots using aerial surveillance. Drones are deployed to monitor the situation, aiding firefighters in their containment strategy. The regional government has activated Level 2 of its emergency response plan, deploying the Military Emergency Unit (UME) to assist in managing the crisis. This level of intervention underscores the severity of the incident, as it requires coordinated action across multiple agencies. Historically, the current fire marks a rare occurrence in recent years, standing out against a backdrop of increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the region. The 1994 Maestrazgo fire, believed to have originated from lightning, burned between 18,000 and 30,000 hectares, depending on whether agricultural land was included in the calculation. It set a precedent that has yet to be matched since, except for the 2022 Ateca fire, which claimed around 11,000 to 14,000 hectares. These figures highlight the growing challenge faced by local authorities in combating such large-scale blazes. In 2022, Aragón witnessed one of its worst wildfire seasons, with a total of 20,260 hectares consumed by fires. Among these, the Añón de Moncayo fire affected the Moncayo Natural Park, burning 5,213 hectares. The 2015 Luna fire, also in the Cinco Villas region, scorched between 7,163 and 14,146 hectares, making it the second-largest in modern records until the current fire surpassed it. The 2009 season saw nearly 20,000 hectares burned across several fires, including those in Aliaga-Ejulve and the San Gregorio Maneuvering Field. This year has already seen three major wildfires exceeding 1,000 hectares in Aragón. The first occurred on June 25 near Tamarite de Litera and Alcampell, in Huesca, marking the beginning of a particularly active fire season. The Orés fire follows this trend, reinforcing concerns about the changing climate's impact on wildfire patterns in the region. Local officials and environmental experts warn that such incidents are becoming more frequent, necessitating improved preparedness and response strategies. Authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate with national and international bodies to ensure adequate resources are available for firefighting operations. Evacuations remain in place, and residents are advised to stay informed through official channels. The long-term implications of the fire extend beyond immediate safety concerns, prompting discussions on sustainable land management and climate adaptation policies. As the situation develops, further updates will provide insight into the extent of ecological and economic repercussions.