The fire of the Cinco Villas already exceeds 15,000 hectares, favored by the wind and the topography

The wildfire raging through the area known as Las Cinco Villas has slowed its advance, though it remains unstable after consuming more than 15,000 hectares. The fire, which has forced six settlements into evacuation, continues to pose a serious threat to nearby communities and natural areas. According to the latest update from the Government of Aragon, the blaze has scorched approximately 15,400 hectares, with recent progress observed along the left flank due to wind conditions and terrain features. From late Friday evening into Saturday night, the fire showed signs of movement toward the south, driven by shifting winds and challenging topography. At the start of Saturday, officials convened at the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) to assess the situation following a night marked by fluctuating wind patterns. Consejero de Hacienda e Interior, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, noted that the arrival of the cierzo wind caused some flare-ups in different parts of the perimeter, particularly in the southern section, where flames reached across a road. This issue was largely resolved, according to authorities. Efforts during the day will continue with a coordinated operation involving all available resources from the regional government, national agencies, and local councils. However, Bermúdez de Castro warned that weather conditions remain difficult. He described the situation as complex, citing ongoing wind shifts, first from the south, warm and dry, followed by a return from the north, and low humidity levels combined with temperatures reaching around 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. Firefighters have focused their efforts on sectors five and six, specifically targeting the urban area of Luesia and preventing spread toward the northwest, near the protected landscape of the Sierra de Santo Domingo. Concerns were also raised over potential flare-ups in sector one, fueled by strong northern winds. To address these risks, personnel have been stationed throughout all affected zones to monitor and respond to possible developments. For Saturday, wind direction is expected to shift first to southeast and later to south and southwest, with gusts potentially reaching up to 30 kilometers per hour. By 8 p.m., a return of northerly winds is anticipated, accompanied by some intensity. Humidity levels are projected to rise slightly during the early morning hours, approaching 80 percent, but will drop again during the afternoon to around 20 percent. Maximum temperatures could reach 36 to 37 degrees, prompting a yellow alert for high temperatures. Residents in Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba, Uncastillo, and Petilla de Aragón (Navarra) remain displaced. Although no new evacuations were ordered this Friday, towns such as Longás, Isuerre, and Lobera de Onsella were placed on alert in case of a preventive evacuation. Similarly, Biel was advised to prepare for potential displacement. In the afternoon, two controlled convoys allowed residents of Orés and Asín to briefly access their homes to retrieve personal belongings under the supervision of emergency services, volunteers, the Guardia Civil, and the Red Cross. Psychological support teams identified fatigue and anxiety among evacuated individuals, especially after several days of uncertainty regarding the condition of their homes and the spread of misinformation. Residents expressed concern over unverified information circulating locally, which heightened their sense of alarm. The Regional Government has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel near the fire zone during the weekend unless absolutely necessary. Limiting mobility in the surrounding area helps emergency services operate more efficiently, prevents disruptions to firefighting operations, and supports overall safety in the region.