A wildfire broke out on the edge of Derio late last night, prompting emergency crews to respond as flames approached Bilbao Airport. 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, and their proximity to one of the region’s busiest transport hubs raised concern.
Radio Popular reported that at least two rural homes were evacuated as a precaution; no injuries were reported. 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 extinguished 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 said the fast, coordinated response helped stop the fire, especially given the steep terrain and flammable vegetation.
Aena, which runs the airport, confirmed that flights and ground operations were not affected. Local crews, increasingly called to wildfires where towns and forests meet, responded quickly. A monitoring post was set up after the fire to watch for flare-ups and keep the area safe, eldiario.es and other local outlets reported.
Most of what burned was pampas grass, but the incident points to a broader risk to green belts around major infrastructure in northern Spain, particularly where invasive plants have taken hold. These species change local ecosystems and make fires more likely, especially in dry weather. The fire in Derio highlights the importance of land management and a rapid emergency response. Although Bilbao Airport was never in danger, unchecked vegetation and changing climate conditions can turn small fires into larger threats. Local authorities and residents will need to stay alert.
