A major wildfire in Las Hurdes has triggered a home lockdown in Nuñomoral and evacuations in several villages. The fire, suspected to be arson, has now reached Salamanca province, intensifying emergency efforts.
Authorities in Extremadura have ordered the immediate home confinement of Nuñomoral’s 1,200 residents after a fast-moving wildfire in Las Hurdes (Cáceres) spread into Salamanca province. The fire, which began midday Tuesday and is believed to be deliberately set, has forced the evacuation of multiple villages and now threatens new areas as it advances through Vegas de Domingo Rey in Agallas.
Residents of Nuñomoral received an ES Alert notification at 20:30, instructing them to stay indoors, seal windows and doors, and avoid going outside due to heavy smoke. Those living outside the main urban area were told to relocate to the Casa de Cultura, where emergency teams are coordinating collective shelter and medical support. The evacuation of Asegur adds to the ten villages already cleared the previous day, affecting around 700 people. The Cottolengo del Padre Alegre care center also relocated its 34 residents and 11 staff to Plasencia, while several vulnerable individuals spent the night in a local care home.
Firefighting efforts remain intense, with 27 forest units, 24 aircraft, heavy machinery, and specialized teams from the Ministry for Ecological Transition deployed on the ground. The situation remains critical, with the Infocaex plan maintaining its highest operational alert. According to regional president María Guardiola, shifting winds and the formation of pyrocumulus clouds have complicated containment, especially on the western front, while progress in the north near El Gasco offers some optimism. Teams are focusing resources on the most active zones, where re-ignitions have been reported.
Local authorities have faced resistance from some residents unwilling to evacuate, particularly in Cerezal, requiring intervention by the Guardia Civil, psychologists, and social workers. Officials continue to urge compliance with safety instructions to protect lives and property as the fire perimeter remains unstable. The president reiterated that all evidence points to arson, but called for caution as investigations proceed.
With the fire now crossing into Salamanca, the provincial government has mobilized additional firefighting vehicles from Ciudad Rodrigo and Fuenteguinaldo to defend the threatened area of Vegas de Domingo Rey. The priority is to shield populated zones from the advancing flames, as requested by the INFOCAL emergency director. The deployment includes water tankers and rural fire engines, reinforcing the regional response.
Spain has faced a series of severe natural disasters in recent years, with emergency protocols and inter-regional cooperation becoming increasingly vital. The current situation in Las Hurdes echoes the challenges seen in other parts of the country, such as the mass evacuations following the Granada earthquake, where hundreds spent nights outdoors as reported in a previous incident covered by russpain.com. These events highlight the growing need for rapid response and public adherence to safety measures during large-scale emergencies.
Wildfires in Spain are most common during the summer months, often exacerbated by high temperatures, drought, and human activity. The use of advanced alert systems and coordinated evacuation plans has become standard practice, aiming to minimize casualties and property loss. As the situation in Las Hurdes and Salamanca develops, authorities continue to monitor conditions and adjust their strategy to protect affected communities.
