Authorities have ordered evacuations in Los Ángeles de San Rafael, Vegas de Matute, and Catí due to severe wildfires. Emergency services are battling strong winds and difficult terrain. Residents face urgent relocations and temporary shelter.
Emergency evacuations have been enforced in several Spanish towns after wildfires intensified over the weekend, prompting authorities to raise the alert to the highest level. Residents of Los Ángeles de San Rafael and Vegas de Matute in Segovia, as well as Catí in Castellón, were ordered to leave their homes or remain confined as flames advanced dangerously close to populated areas.
The Segovia fire, which began on Saturday near Las Navas de San Antonio after a vehicle caught fire on the AP-6, quickly spread into surrounding forests. By Sunday afternoon, the situation had deteriorated, leading the regional emergency committee (CECOPI) to declare a level 2 emergency. The rapid escalation forced immediate evacuations in Los Ángeles de San Rafael and Vegas de Matute, while Valdeprados was placed under confinement, according to 1-1-2 Castilla y León.
Local authorities in El Espinar advised residents with private vehicles and alternative accommodation to evacuate independently, while buses were arranged for those needing assistance. Temporary shelters were set up at the municipal sports center and the Villacastín school to accommodate displaced families. Firefighting teams, supported by more than 40 aerial and ground units, continued to battle the blaze amid challenging wind conditions that reignited hotspots throughout the day.
In Castellón, the wildfire near Tírig remained active, forcing the evacuation of Catí as a precaution. Emergency officials reported that 250 ground units would remain deployed overnight, focusing on protecting homes and over 60 local farms. The region's rugged terrain and shifting weather complicated efforts, with strong winds and dense smoke at times grounding aerial support. The perimeter of the fire reached approximately 19 kilometers, affecting at least 684 hectares.
Authorities credited the swift cooperation of Catí residents and the support of local officials, including the mayor of Xert, who opened the town's sports center for evacuees. The Red Cross provided immediate assistance to those displaced, while many others found refuge with relatives or friends. The Guardia Civil secured all access points to Catí, ensuring the safety of evacuated properties.
Officials warned that conditions could worsen on Monday, with forecasts from Aemet predicting storms and further strong winds. The situation remains volatile, and emergency services continue to prioritize the protection of residents and critical infrastructure.
Spain has faced a series of severe wildfires in recent years, often exacerbated by prolonged drought and extreme weather. The rapid mobilization of emergency resources and community shelters reflects the country’s evolving response to wildfire threats. According to recent data, the number of large-scale evacuations has increased, highlighting the growing impact of climate-related incidents on rural and semi-urban communities. The events in Segovia and Castellón underscore the ongoing challenges for local authorities and emergency services as they adapt to more frequent and intense fire seasons.
