A major wildfire that sparked panic across Murcia after racing towards residential areas has now been stabilised.
The update has brought much-needed relief to thousands who spent more than 24 hours fearing the flames could reach their homes.
The blaze broke out shortly after 3pm on Tuesday in the regional park of Carrascoy and El Valle, near the village of Los Garres on the outskirts of Murcia city.
While the fire ultimately burned 177 hectares of pine forest and scrubland, officials say its proximity to homes made it one of the most alarming wildfire emergencies the region has faced in recent years.
Residents in Los Garres, San Jose de la Montaña, Algezares and surrounding areas watched as flames advanced to within metres of houses, businesses and infrastructure.
The fire was officially declared stabilised at 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Murcia regional president Fernando Lopez Miras confirmed the development and praised the efforts of the hundreds of personnel involved in the operation.
However, he warned that around 150 emergency workers remain on the ground to secure the perimeter and prevent any flare-ups.
The fire triggered an immediate response after more than 200 emergency calls flooded the 112 control centre reporting a large column of smoke and flames spreading across the mountainside.
Strong and shifting winds, combined with the rugged terrain around the iconic Cresta del Gallo peak, allowed the fire to spread rapidly during its early stages.
Around 50 homes were evacuated as a precaution, affecting more than 100 residents.
Those forced to leave were allowed to return on Wednesday morning after firefighters confirmed the fire front threatening residential areas no longer contained active flames.
More than 200 members of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) joined forest firefighters, environmental officers, technicians and local emergency services in an intensive overnight operation to stop the blaze spreading further.
For much of Wednesday, emergency teams remained concerned about possible reignitions caused by changing winds.
By midday, Murcia’s regional minister for emergencies, Marcos Ortuño, said the situation had improved significantly.
Spain’s Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen also visited the command centre during the operation and used the opportunity to warn about the increasing impact of climate-related emergencies.
‘The climate emergency is here,’ she said, calling for greater investment in prevention measures and wildfire preparedness.
Meanwhile, officers from the Guardia Civil’s Seprona environmental unit have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Efforts are now focused on preventing reignitions and moving towards the fire being officially extinguished.
The Murcia regional government is expected to provide a more detailed assessment on Thursday, including final figures on the affected area, the resources deployed and the overall impact of the emergency.
