New evacuations due to the fires: Los Angeles from San Rafael and Vegas from Matute (Segovia), and Catí (Castellón)

The fire in Navas de San Antonio has reignited, forcing the evacuation of Los Ángeles de San Rafael and Vegas de Matute. The blaze, which was initially reported on Saturday, has escalated rapidly due to high temperatures and strong winds, leading to a heightened risk for nearby communities. Emergency services have been working around the clock to contain the spread of flames, with aerial support deployed to assist ground crews. As of Sunday evening, the situation remains critical, with officials warning that the fire could continue to expand unless conditions change significantly. The incident began on Saturday afternoon when a vehicle caught fire near the AP-6 motorway, close to the Telégrafo area. The initial flames quickly spread into surrounding vegetation, fueled by dry conditions left after months of drought. By late Sunday, the fire had reached its maximum potential severity level, prompting immediate action from local authorities. The CECOPI, Spain’s National Coordination Center for Firefighting, issued urgent alerts, leading to the preventive evacuation of Los Ángeles de San Rafael and Vegas de Matute. These towns, located in Segovia province, were identified as being at particular risk due to their proximity to the affected area. Local government officials in El Espinar have taken steps to ensure residents can safely evacuate. Those who own vehicles and have alternative accommodation options are advised to leave independently. For others requiring assistance, buses have been made available. A community center has also been designated as a temporary shelter for displaced individuals. Meanwhile, firefighting teams continue their efforts, deploying both land-based units and aircraft to combat the advancing flames. The operation is complicated by ongoing heatwaves and gusty winds, which make controlling the fire particularly challenging. In addition to the main fire in Navas de San Antonio, another blaze has been reported in Tirig, Castellón, affecting the town of Catí. This fire, which started on Friday evening, is believed to have been caused by lightning. Emergency services have responded swiftly, with firefighters working in two separate fronts, one targeting the northern part of Catí and the other addressing the southern section near Tirig. Recent increases in humidity have helped slow the spread of the fire in some areas, according to technical reports. However, the overall situation remains under constant monitoring, with officials emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. Efforts to extinguish the fires have involved a large number of personnel and resources. Over 300 firefighters are currently on site, supported by more than 50 ground vehicles and 19 aerial units. The regional government has called for public cooperation, urging citizens to avoid open flames during this period of extreme weather conditions. The region is experiencing what officials describe as “dry storms,” increasing the likelihood of further wildfires. With such conditions, emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to new threats as they arise. The impact of these fires extends beyond immediate safety concerns. Local ecosystems are facing damage due to the loss of vegetation, while agricultural lands and residential areas near the affected zones are at risk. Environmental experts warn that prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall patterns could lead to longer-term ecological consequences. Despite the challenges, authorities remain focused on containing the blazes and minimizing harm to both human populations and natural habitats. Ongoing assessments will determine whether additional measures are needed to address the evolving situation.