A wildfire broke out in the San Isidro woods of Derio, close to Bilbao Airport. Fire crews from several stations worked overnight to keep the flames from disrupting air traffic and to limit environmental damage. The fire was fully extinguished by early morning.
A wildfire broke out on the edge of Derio late last night, drawing a fast response from emergency crews as flames moved dangerously close to Bilbao Airport. Thanks to coordinated work by firefighters, the airport stayed open and flights continued as normal.
The fire started around 20:30 in the San Isidro neighborhood, on Mount Ayartza, just a few kilometers from the airport. By the time firefighters arrived, a large area was already burning, fueled by thick stands of pampas grass—an invasive plant known for catching fire easily and burning hot. The flames were visible from far away, but the main concern was how close the fire was to one of the region’s busiest transport hubs.
At least two rural homes were evacuated as a precaution, but no injuries were reported during the incident.
Firefighters from Derio, Basauri, and Artazar, along with a forest service unit, worked through the night to build a perimeter and stop the fire from spreading. They finished putting out the last embers by 5:30 a.m. The Basque Government’s Department of Security said the fire was contained before it could threaten the airport or nearby homes. Several reports noted that the quick, organized response was key to stopping the fire, especially given the steep terrain and flammable vegetation.
Aena, which runs the airport, confirmed that flights and ground operations were not affected. The fire was brought under control quickly, thanks to the fast arrival of resources and the experience of local crews, who are increasingly dealing with wildfires in areas where towns and forests meet. According to eldiario.es and other local outlets, a monitoring post was set up after the fire to watch for any flare-ups and keep the area safe.
Most of what burned was pampas grass, but the incident points to a bigger problem: green belts around major infrastructure in northern Spain are at risk, especially where invasive plants like pampas grass have taken hold. These species not only change local ecosystems but also make fires more likely, especially in dry weather. The fire in Derio shows how important it is to manage land and respond quickly to emergencies. While Bilbao Airport was never in danger, the event is a reminder that unchecked vegetation and changing climate conditions can turn small fires into bigger threats. Local authorities and residents will need to stay alert.
After the fire was extinguished, a monitoring post was set up in the affected area to watch for any possible reignition, as reported by eldiario.es. This precautionary measure reflects the ongoing vigilance required in regions where invasive, highly flammable vegetation like pampas grass is present.
