Bilbao airport stayed open overnight as emergency crews tackled a forest fire just four kilometers away, in the San Isidro area of Derio. The blaze did not disrupt airport operations, Aena and Radio Nervión reported.
The fire started around 20:30 on the evening of September 14, 2026, and spread quickly through an area thick with pampas grass. The dry, flammable vegetation made the flames visible from a distance and helped them spread. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 5:30 in the morning after hours of coordinated work. Teams from Derio, Basauri and Artaza worked with the regional forest service to secure the area and stop the fire from spreading further, Naiz reported. Radio Nervión said the lack of wind slowed the fire's spread and helped crews keep the perimeter under control.
Firefighters from Derio, Basauri and Artaza, backed by the forest service, established a perimeter around the blaze. Their quick response kept the flames from reaching nearby infrastructure or homes. Crews focused on halting the fire's advance and securing the woodland, which consisted mostly of pampas grass. The vegetation made the fire look dramatic, but the blaze was quickly brought under control once crews arrived.
The Basque Government’s Security Department confirmed there were no injuries or evacuations, and nearby facilities sustained no damage. The airport continued to operate normally, unlike during previous wildfires that have threatened transport hubs, including a past incident near Bilbao airport. Official statements cited by Naiz and Russpain said no one was hurt and no infrastructure was lost.
The cause of the fire has not been specified. Its rapid ignition and spread highlight the risks in areas with dense pampas grass, especially during dry spells. The response from several fire stations and the forest service showed the region's preparedness for such incidents. Wildfire risks are rising across Spain, particularly in the Basque Country, making clear emergency protocols and communication between authorities and infrastructure operators impressive. Deia reported that officials declared the fire extinguished after the coordinated response. No evacuations or injuries were recorded, and airport infrastructure remained unaffected throughout the incident.
