Around 400 hectares of land have been affected after the first major wildfire of Andalucia’s summer season tore through the heart of Doñana National Park.
The blaze hit the ecologically sensitive Las Marismillas area, in Huelva, deep inside one of Europe’s most important protected wetlands.
Authorities say not all of the affected land was completely destroyed, with several ‘islands’ of vegetation believed to have survived the flames, raising hopes that the natural recovery process may be faster than after previous fires.
The fire was brought under control late on Wednesday following a huge operation involving more than 600 ground personnel, 36 aircraft and 24 fire engines.
Resources from the regional INFOCA wildfire service were deployed alongside aerial support from Spain’s Ministry of Defence.
Officials said Thursday’s efforts are now focused on fully extinguishing the blaze and assessing the true environmental damage.
Andalucian minister Antonio Sanz described the operation as ‘extremely difficult’.
‘This was a very complicated fire,’ he said.
‘Firstly because of the importance of the location – a global natural jewel like Doñana.
‘Secondly because of the difficult terrain, with marshland and dunes making access extremely challenging.
‘And thirdly because of the wind, which was much stronger than forecast, with gusts reaching 40 to 50km/hr.’
Regional authorities have stressed the major differences between this wildfire and the devastating 2017 Doñana blaze, which destroyed nearly 10,000 hectares around the national park.
While this latest fire affected a far smaller area, officials admit the ecological value of the land impacted is exceptionally high due to its location within the core of the protected reserve.
Sanz insisted the area has ‘strong natural regeneration potential’ and expressed confidence that recovery would be relatively rapid.
Investigation underway as arson suspected
Attention is now turning to the cause of the fire.
The Junta de Andalucia has indicated its main hypothesis is that the blaze was deliberately started.
Government spokeswoman Carolina España said investigators are examining evidence suggesting multiple ignition points.
Opposition accuses Junta of ‘lack of transparency’
The handling of the wildfire has sparked criticism from opposition parties.
The PSOE, Por Andalucia and Adelante Andalucia have all demanded explanations from the regional government.
Opposition figures accused the administration of Juanma Moreno of a ‘lack of transparency’ regarding both the management of the fire and the investigation into its causes.
Several parties have requested an official parliamentary appearance from Antonio Sanz to explain the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
The wildfire marks the return of major fire fears to Doñana almost exactly nine years after the catastrophic 2017 inferno that devastated large parts of the protected area.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
