In the northern part of the province of Palencia, in the very heart of the Cantabrian Mountains, a large-scale forest fire has been raging since Sunday. By midweek, the blaze had engulfed more than 3,000 hectares in the Montaña Palentina natural park, considered a key refuge for brown bears on the Iberian Peninsula.
The flames are spreading through areas of high ecological value, home to rare species of animals and plants. Local authorities warn that the consequences for the environment could be catastrophic. The main threat is to the brown bear’s habitat, as these forests serve as both feeding and breeding grounds. Experts fear the fire may temporarily drive wildlife from their usual habitats and negatively affect their populations.
On Wednesday, the alert level in the region remained at level two, although some movement restrictions in certain towns have already been lifted. Residents of El Campo and Le Vansa villages have been allowed to leave their homes, but entry to these areas is still limited. The main task for emergency services is to prevent the fire from spreading to other villages and to stop it from breaching the established perimeter, especially towards Cervera de Pisuerga.
The situation is complicated by shifting winds and high air temperatures. According to local authorities, if the fire crosses the containment line, the affected area could increase significantly, posing a threat to even more forested areas and populated settlements.
There are special concerns for historical monuments. This week, the fire came dangerously close to the Levansa Abbey, which is over nine centuries old. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of firefighters and volunteers, its destruction was prevented. The fight against the blaze involves not only professional services but also local residents, who provide equipment, water, and food to support rescuers.
At present, 31 ground and aerial units are involved in the disaster zone. The exact area burned is still being determined, but preliminary estimates exceed 3,000 hectares. Forestry workers’ unions highlight the shortage of personnel and the difficult working conditions faced by firefighters and forest rangers.
The fire in Montaña Palentina has already been declared extremely dangerous: the second threat level has been introduced, indicating a real danger to local communities and specially protected natural areas. Regional authorities and rescue services continue working around the clock to bring the situation under control and minimize damage to both nature and people.
Environmentalists and local residents hope that brown bears will be able to return to their usual habitats after the fire is extinguished. However, it may take years for the ecosystem to recover. In the coming days, much will depend on weather conditions and the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.
