A forest fire near the town of Méntrida in Toledo has generated a dense smoke column visible from the entire south of Madrid, causing alarm among many citizens. The smoke and ash were also noticeable in the capital city of Madrid.
The fire has reached the Community of Madrid, with towns like Navalcarnero and Villamanta on alert due to the proximity of the flames and the intensity of the smoke in their municipal areas. The fire has also led to the closure of the A-5 in Navalcarnero and Valmojado.
Navalcarnero and Villamanta on alert due to the Méntrida fire, which has led to the closure of the A-5
Civil Protection has advised the residents of Navalcarnero to take shelter in their homes and not open the windows.
Likewise, the fire has prompted confinement and protective measures in the Calypo Fado urbanization in Casarrubios del Monte (Toledo) due to dense smoke.
In extinguishing the flames, a total of 27 units and 112 personnel worked in the afternoon of this Thursday, specifically 12 aerial units with 20 personnel, 12 ground units with 67 personnel, 3 management and coordination units with 7 personnel, and an additional 18 internal personnel.
The Madrid Community Security and Emergency Agency has declared Operational Situation 2 (on a scale of 0 to 3) of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires (INFOMA) due to the fire’s evolution, which could seriously affect the population and non-forest assets.
The high smoke column was visible from many towns in Madrid, such as Móstoles, Alcorcón, El Álamo, and Navalcarnero. In the capital, the smoke even darkened the sun. Many citizens have reported experiencing more coughing and respiratory issues on social media.
Méntrida is located just four kilometers south of the Community of Madrid, so in towns like Navalcarnero or Arroyomolinos, the sky has been tinted with grayish and orangish hues.
Madrid capital, with smoke and ash from the Méntrida forest fire
According to the Forest Fire Information System of the Sustainable Development Council (Fidias) of Castilla-La Mancha, the Méntrida fire was detected at 3:02 PM by a fixed guard.
About the Author
