A major wildfire burning inside the protected Doñana National Park has already destroyed around 250 hectares as more than 120 firefighters battle to contain the flames.
The fire broke out on Sunday evening in the Corral de Felix area of Almonte and triggered a huge emergency response involving helicopters, planes, bulldozers and ground crews.
According to the Guardia Civil and Andalucia’s Infoca wildfire service, the blaze started at around 6pm and rapidly spread through the area, fuelled by strong levante winds of up to 25km/hr.
Firefighters said the perimeter has now been stabilised and the blaze is ‘not advancing’, although flames continue burning within the affected area and crews remain on high alert to prevent flare-ups.
The operation currently involves 11 aerial units, including three heavy helicopters – one provided by Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition – alongside three semi-heavy helicopters and four firefighting aircraft.
More than 120 ground personnel are also working on the operation, supported by eight fire engines, tractors and specialist wildfire analysis units.
Authorities are now openly investigating whether the fire may have been started intentionally.
Antonio Sanz, Andalucia’s acting regional minister for Presidency and Interior, said there was ‘suspicion’ surrounding the origin of the blaze.
‘The location, the day, the time and several fires occurring in the same area are very striking and suspicious,’ he said.
‘Everything seems to indicate that this could potentially have been an intentional fire.’
Environmental group Ecologistas en Accion has also publicly suggested the blaze may have been deliberate, warning that ‘they are burning Doñana year after year’.
The fire comes as Spain braces for another intense summer wildfire season following weeks of unusually high temperatures and dry conditions across Andalucia.
Aerial firefighting teams are expected to withdraw overnight due to dangerous visibility conditions, while ground crews continue containment operations throughout the night.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
