Municipalities affected by the Riglos fire ask the Government of Aragon to investigate the works of the A-132

The municipalities affected by the fire near Riglos have called for an investigation into the regional government’s handling of road works on the A-132 highway. These towns, located in the Kingdom of the Mallos, have accused the Government of Aragón of failing to provide requested documentation related to the project, which they say has raised concerns over safety and environmental compliance. The municipalities, representing different political affiliations, including several with conservative leadership, have joined forces to demand transparency and accountability. The fire broke out on August 10 near Santa María de la Peña, close to where the A-132 was under construction. Initial investigations suggested the blaze originated in the area where the works were being carried out, though no definitive link between the construction activities and the fire has been established so far. Authorities detained a man as a suspect in the incident, who remains in pre-trial detention without bail following judicial orders. In response, the regional government announced its intention to file as a victim in the ongoing legal proceedings. Councilor Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, head of the Interior Department, denied claims that machinery was operating at the time the fire started, dismissing reports linking the works to the incident as “absurdities.” He emphasized that during the initial days after the fire, “barbarous statements” were made regarding the connection between the construction and the fire. Councilor Luis Biendicho, responsible for Environment, confirmed the government’s decision to join the legal process as a victim. He stated that the individual currently held in custody faces clear evidence of involvement, and that the cause of the fire should be thoroughly examined. Both officials stressed the need for clarity surrounding the incident. Political group Chunta Aragonesista (CHA) has backed the municipalities' call for action, vowing to bring the issue before the Aragonese Parliament. Its spokesperson, Verónica Villagrasa, asserted that local authorities have the right to access all technical documentation and to require guarantees for public safety. She argued that the lack of transparency undermines trust and poses risks to residents. Local leaders recall earlier warnings about the closure of the A-132 during the summer months. Community representatives, business owners, and residents had previously expressed concerns over the impact of such a closure on mobility and emergency response. Their efforts led to the maintenance of partial traffic flow on the road. However, the fire later forced the evacuation of hundreds of people and posed a threat to nearby communities. Municipality officials are now demanding that administrative actions taken during the road works be scrutinized. They argue that the regional government has failed to provide the necessary documents and has not demonstrated proper oversight. The situation highlights broader tensions between local governance and regional planning, particularly around infrastructure projects affecting rural areas. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on determining whether the construction work contributed to the fire and how regulatory procedures were followed.