Orés wildfire in Zaragoza scorches 12,000 hectares, forces evacuations

The wildfire in Orés, in the Cinco Villas region of Zaragoza, has expanded to 12,000 hectares as of Friday morning, making it the largest fire in Spain this year. The fire remains out of control, with over 1,100 people evacuated from six villages: Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba, Uncastillo (all in Aragon), and Petilla de Aragón (Navarra) Source: Euronews.

Evacuations and damage

About 700 to 1,000 residents have been displaced, with some 100 people sheltering in a sports hall in Ejea de los Caballeros. In Asín, at least ten homes have been damaged, one severely Source: Infobae. Residents from care homes have been relocated to facilities in Zaragoza and Ejea. The fire has also cut several roads, including the A-1204, CV-813, and A-1202 Source: ABC.

Response and political support

More than 450 firefighters and 30 aircraft are battling the blaze, including 14 aerial assets from the Ministry for Ecological Transition Source: El Español. Vice-President Sara Aagesen and Aragon President Jorge Azcón visited the advanced command post in Farasdués, pledging full support. Aagesen noted that 50,000 hectares have burned nationwide this year, three times the previous year Source: El Español.

Suspect arrested

A man was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. Witnesses reported seeing a person fleeing the area, and the suspect was found with a backpack containing flammable materials Source: Euronews. The Madrid regional government announced it will file a private prosecution.