Andalusian Authorities Demand More Support to Extinguish Doñana Fire. A wildfire in Doñana National Park has spread across 400 hectares. Andalusian authorities are requesting additional aerial resources from Madrid. Due to the blaze, the return routes for pilgrims have been changed.
The fire that broke out on Sunday in the Marismillas area of Doñana National Park remains active and has already affected about 400 hectares of natural territory. Despite statements from regional authorities about containing the blaze, the situation remains tense: the Andalusian government has officially appealed to Madrid to increase the number of aerial resources for firefighting. The Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) has sent two heavy seaplanes to the scene, joining the helicopter already operating in the area.
On Monday evening, according to Antonio Sanz, the acting Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies of Andalusia, ten aircraft were forced to halt operations at nightfall. Overnight, 130 ground specialists and six fire engines continued fighting the blaze. The fire was contained by dunes, the beach, and the marshland portion of the park, but remained active on both flanks. Due to the fire's location in the heart of Doñana, the return routes of the El Rocío pilgrim brotherhoods had to be adjusted to avoid hazardous areas and not hinder firefighting efforts.
The causes of the fire have not yet been established. Authorities note that the coincidence of several ignition points nearby and the recent extinguishing of another fire in the Corral de Félix area raise suspicions. According to Sanz, the circumstances of the fire's outbreak appear unusual and require further investigation. Smoke from the fire was visible not only along the Huelva coast but also in certain areas of Cádiz, including Chipiona.
Fires in Spain's natural and tourist areas have become increasingly frequent in recent years, as evidenced by the recent incident with a major fire in central Malaga. Doñana National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in Europe, and any large fire here causes concern not only among locals but also among environmentalists. In summer, the risk of fires in Andalusia traditionally increases due to heat and drought, requiring authorities to remain constantly prepared for rapid response. According to RUSSPAIN, such incidents can affect the region's tourist appeal and the work of local services.
