A massive wildfire in Sierra Norte de Guadalajara has burned 26,000 hectares. Authorities have evacuated 1,200 residents from 28 villages. The fire is now the largest in Castilla-La Mancha’s history by area.
The wildfire that erupted last Thursday in the Sierra Norte region of Guadalajara has now consumed 26,000 hectares, making it the largest blaze ever recorded in Castilla-La Mancha by surface area. Emergency services have evacuated 1,200 people from 28 villages as the fire perimeter expanded to 120 kilometers, advancing roughly 10 kilometers overnight. Regional authorities warn that worsening weather conditions could further complicate containment efforts, prompting a rapid increase in firefighting resources.
On Monday morning, the situation deteriorated further, leading to the evacuation of six additional communities: Riofrío del Llano, La Bodera, Cardeñosa, Rebollosa de Jadraque, Angón, and Santiuste. According to the Guardia Civil, these latest evacuations affected 265 residents. Officials emphasize that, so far, no homes have been damaged, with the main focus remaining on protecting the villages at risk. Mercedes Gómez, the regional minister for Sustainable Development, assured from the Advanced Command Post in Tamajón that safeguarding residents and their properties remains the top priority.
The majority of the affected area lies within the Parque Natural de la Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, a region known for its ecological value and reliance on forestry, livestock, and tourism. The economic impact is already being felt, with a wave of cancellations at local accommodations that had been preparing for the August solar eclipse. The regional government has announced plans for immediate restoration and recovery efforts once the fire is extinguished, acknowledging that many residents face the loss of their livelihoods. Authorities are also arranging controlled access for livestock owners to feed their animals during the crisis.
This incident follows a series of severe wildfires in the region in recent years. For context, a previous blaze in Sierra Norte forced the evacuation of 529 people and burned over 3,400 hectares, as detailed in a recent report on earlier evacuations and fire spread in Guadalajara. The current fire, however, has surpassed all previous records for the area, both in scale and in the number of people displaced.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Spain, particularly during periods of high temperatures and dry conditions. Castilla-La Mancha, with its extensive forested areas, is especially vulnerable. The Sierra Norte Natural Park is a protected area, home to diverse flora and fauna, and plays a significant role in the local economy through rural tourism and agriculture. The loss of such a large portion of this landscape could have long-term consequences for both the environment and the communities that depend on it. As firefighting teams continue their efforts, the focus remains on containment and minimizing further damage, while regional and national authorities coordinate support for those affected.
