'Čudo' koje je spasilo Čarobnu šumu od požara zahvaljujući "ruki Boga" i susjedima: "Prošli smo najapsolutniji strah"

A fire that threatened to consume the enchanted forest of San Martín de Valdeiglesias was narrowly averted thanks to divine intervention and the efforts of local residents, according to its owner, Juan Antonio Garrido. The blaze, which swept through the western mountains of Madrid, came within 150 meters of the unique botanical garden known as the Bosque Encantado, before being contained. Garrido described the experience as one of absolute fear, saying they were just inches away from losing the beauty of the site, which has been under his care for 15 years. The fire began to threaten the area after spreading rapidly through the region, with two fronts approaching the forest from different directions. Garrido monitored the situation closely using an app that tracked the spread of flames. He recounted how the fire came dangerously close, even igniting several trees just 120 meters from the forest’s edge. At one point, he called emergency services to warn them about large water tanks covered in plastic that could melt if touched by the flames. Fortunately, a patrol arrived promptly and extinguished the small fire, preventing further damage. Garrido expressed deep gratitude to both God and the professionals who helped contain the fire, including firefighters, the Unified Military Emergency Unit (UME), and local authorities. However, he emphasized the crucial role played by the community. Volunteers from nearby towns used their own vehicles and tools to put out smaller fires and create a seven-meter firebreak around the forest. Even some firefighters from San Martín, who were off duty, joined the effort, showcasing a remarkable display of solidarity. Despite these efforts, Garrido voiced frustration over the neglect of the surrounding mountain areas, noting that many residents have suffered losses, including homes and farms. He acknowledged the ongoing threat posed by the fire, which had not yet been fully controlled, and felt fortunate that the forest remained intact. He referred to the survival of the Bosque Encantado as a miracle, crediting both divine help and the collective action of the local population. The Bosque Encantado, established 15 years ago, is a unique European botanical garden featuring over 300 living sculptures made of plants and trees. It spans 25,000 square meters and includes paths, labyrinths, waterfalls, and fountains. The site attracts approximately 35,000 visitors annually and hosts nightly shows and meditation sessions. Alongside this attraction, Garrido recently opened an outdoor exhibition of articulated dinosaurs, adding to the area's appeal. Meanwhile, the broader context of the wildfires in Spain continues to unfold. In the region of Castellón, another major fire has been raging since Saturday, complicating firefighting efforts due to extreme heat and difficult terrain. This fire has displaced thousands of residents and forced the evacuation of 14 municipalities. Although the fire in Madrid's western mountains has been declared stabilized, the situation remains volatile elsewhere, with new outbreaks continuing to challenge emergency responders. Firefighters working in the affected areas describe the conditions as extremely challenging. One firefighter noted that they are struggling to keep up with the number of new fires breaking out each night. The accumulation of smoke has hindered aerial operations, making it harder to monitor and suppress the blazes effectively. Despite these difficulties, the efforts of both professional firefighters and volunteers continue to be critical in containing the spread of the fires. In the town of Aldea del Fresno, once home to more than 3,500 people, the impact of the fires is still visible. The village has become eerily quiet, with ash covering streets and abandoned vehicles. While no damage was recorded in the urban area, local police remain vigilant, warning that anyone remaining in the town might be a thief. Although residents were allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday, many have yet to come back, leaving the town still empty and the lingering smell of smoke a constant reminder of the recent disaster.