A wildfire started Monday evening in Derio's San Isidro area, just a few kilometers from Loiu Airport. Fire crews from several towns responded quickly to stop the flames, which began in dense pampas grass and threatened a key transport corridor.
A wildfire broke out Monday evening in the San Isidro district of Derio, forcing emergency crews to move quickly to protect a wooded area near Loiu Airport. The fire started around 20:30 and drew firefighters from Derio, Basauri, and Artazar, along with a specialist forest unit.
The fire's proximity to one of the Basque Country's main airports raised immediate concerns about possible disruptions and the risk of the flames reaching critical infrastructure. As of late Monday, no flights were affected, but crews worked urgently to contain the fire and keep it from spreading.
Despite the fire's closeness to Loiu Airport, Aena confirmed that all flights continued on schedule and airport operations were not disrupted.
According to the Department of Security, the fire began in a patch of pampas grass, an invasive plant that burns easily and has become a recurring problem for local authorities. The fire spread quickly through this vegetation, leaving little time for error and forcing responders to act fast to keep it away from homes and airport facilities. ElDiario.es Euskadi reported that the fire was fully extinguished overnight. No injuries were reported, and only two rural homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters had to deal with rough terrain and shifting winds, which made their job harder. Teams from several towns joined forces, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated response. By late evening, crews were still working to secure the area and watch for any flare-ups. Ultima Hora / Europa Press also noted that the fire was considered a real threat to both the forest and nearby infrastructure, which led to the involvement of the forest service alongside local brigades.
Events like this show how vulnerable peri-urban forests in the Basque Country can be, especially during dry periods when pampas grass and other invasive plants create dangerous conditions. The fire's location near Loiu Airport is a clear example of how environmental risks can quickly threaten important infrastructure, highlighting the need for prevention and ongoing vigilance. Unless authorities address the spread of flammable invasive species, these emergencies will likely continue to put both public safety and regional mobility at risk.
After the fire was brought under control between 03:15 and 05:30, a monitoring post was established at the site to guard against possible reignition. Local media later reported that the threat to the airport had been lifted and the situation fully normalized.
