The wildfire in Cinco Villas, Zaragoza, has stopped spreading after burning 15,000 hectares. Authorities maintain evacuations in five towns. Over 450 personnel continue efforts to secure the area.
After five days of relentless firefighting, the wildfire that swept through the Cinco Villas region in Zaragoza has been contained within a stable 80-kilometer perimeter. The fire, which has already devastated 15,000 hectares, remains active but is no longer advancing, according to the latest updates from regional authorities. Despite this progress, the emergency response remains at operational level 2 under the Civil Protection Plan, and the focus now shifts to consolidating the perimeter and preventing any flare-ups.
On Sunday morning, Aragón's president Jorge Azcón visited the command post in Farasdués, expressing cautious optimism about the situation. He noted that, for the first time since the crisis began, there is a sense of relief among those managing the emergency. Azcón thanked the more than 450 personnel who have been working continuously to control the blaze, emphasizing that while visible flames have subsided, vigilance remains essential.
Despite the stabilization, the evacuation order for residents of Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba, and Uncastillo remains in effect. These five towns, home to around a thousand people, continue to be off-limits as safety assessments are ongoing. On Saturday, 60 evacuees were still housed in the Ejea de los Caballeros sports center, while others were relocated to hotels in the region for greater comfort. Temporary accommodations have been arranged in Ejea, Sádaba, Tauste, and Huesca to support those displaced.
Elderly residents from local care homes, who were transferred to another facility in Zaragoza, are reported to be in good condition. The regional government has announced additional social services staff to assist affected individuals during this period of uncertainty.
Authorities have organized supervised convoys to Asín and Orés, allowing small groups to retrieve essential items such as medication and clothing. In Asín, where the fire reached the urban area and damaged ten homes, and in Orés, the fire's origin point, these visits are strictly controlled. Access has also been granted for feeding livestock in affected farms, as the disruption continues to impact daily life.
Coordination with local mayors is underway to plan further safe access for residents. The government has reiterated warnings against misinformation circulating on social media, stressing that the current emergency response is sufficient and that no external assistance is needed. Residents and the public are urged not to approach the affected zones or nearby areas, as safety remains a top priority.
Five regional roads remain closed as of midday Sunday, with inspections planned to assess when they can be safely reopened. The Guardia Civil continues to secure evacuated towns, manage traffic, and control entry points to the fire zone. Weather forecasts indicate high temperatures but lighter winds compared to previous days, which may aid ongoing containment efforts.
This incident follows a series of severe wildfires in Spain in recent years, highlighting the persistent risk during the summer season. For context, a previous major blaze in the same area forced evacuations and burned over 12,000 hectares, as detailed in this earlier report on the Orés wildfire crisis. The current situation underscores the challenges faced by emergency services and local communities in managing large-scale fires and ensuring public safety.
Wildfires remain a significant threat in Spain, particularly in rural and forested regions like Aragón. The combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds often complicates firefighting efforts. Authorities continue to invest in prevention, rapid response, and community support to mitigate the impact of such disasters. The ongoing response in Cinco Villas demonstrates the importance of coordinated action and clear communication during emergencies.
