A major wildfire in Orés has forced over a thousand residents from their homes. Flames have devastated 12,000 hectares and reached the outskirts of Uncastillo. Authorities are coordinating a large-scale emergency response.
More than 12,000 hectares have been consumed by a fast-moving wildfire that erupted in Orés, Zaragoza province, forcing urgent evacuations across six villages in the Cinco Villas region and neighboring Navarra. The fire, which began on Wednesday, intensified overnight despite shifting winds, pushing dangerously close to the historic center of Uncastillo. Emergency teams worked through the night to protect the town, managing to save its urban core while the surrounding areas suffered extensive damage.
By early Friday, over a thousand evacuees remained sheltered in Ejea de los Caballeros, with many reporting sleepless nights due to anxiety and uncertainty. The crisis center in Zaragoza convened at 9 a.m. to assess the evolving situation and determine next steps. The arrival of Sara Aagesen, Spain’s third vice president and Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, was scheduled at the advanced command post in Farasdués, accompanied by Aragón’s regional president Jorge Azcón (PP).
According to the latest statement from the regional government, the fire remains highly active, with significant overnight expansion. Ground crews have been reinforced, but the fire perimeter has now reached 60 kilometers. Authorities have prioritized the protection of evacuated urban centers, including Malpica de Arba and Uncastillo, as flames reached the outskirts of both towns. Three regional roads remain closed, and emergency resources from Navarra, Castilla y León, La Rioja, and the Valencian Community are fully deployed. The incident remains at level 2, with the Military Emergency Unit (UME) activated and all available forces engaged.
Uncastillo’s mayor, herself among the evacuees in Ejea, described the fire as relentless, advancing from one village to the next. The outlook for Friday is grim, with forecasts predicting high temperatures and low humidity, conditions that could further complicate containment efforts. The scale of the response echoes recent emergencies elsewhere in Spain, such as the Los Gallardos fire in Almería, where authorities faced similar challenges in controlling the blaze and managing evacuations, as detailed in this report on the Los Gallardos wildfire response.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Spain’s rural regions, particularly during periods of extreme heat and drought. The Cinco Villas area, known for its agricultural landscapes and historic villages, is especially vulnerable due to its dry terrain and scattered settlements. In recent years, Spanish authorities have increased investment in fire prevention and rapid response, but the scale and speed of incidents like the Orés fire highlight ongoing challenges. The current emergency underscores the importance of coordinated action between local, regional, and national agencies, as well as the need for continued vigilance as climate conditions evolve. Residents affected by the fire face uncertainty about when they can return home and what damage awaits them, while emergency teams remain on high alert for further developments.
