Five members of a forestry brigade were seriously injured during the work of extinguishing the fire that broke out in the parish of San Xusto de Cabarcos (Barreiros, Lugo)The fire, which started early Sunday afternoon, remains active this Monday, with a complex perimeter due to the wind.
The provisional balance indicates an affected area of at least 80 hectaresAs a precaution, the smoke forced the cut-off of the A-8 in a nearby section and caused traffic jams and occasional cuts in the N-634, a documented effect on the air quality in fires in Galicia. The injured were initially evacuated to the Mariña Public Hospital and later transferred to the burn unit of CHUAC, where they remain hospitalized.
Fire situation in Barreiros
The fire broke out around 16:15 PM Sunday and spread rapidly, pushed by changing gusts of windTwo active fronts were identified in the areas of San Caetano y Vilamar, which complicated the work of the ground and air teams.
The flames reached cross the Masma River, forcing the operation to be reorganized to establish defense lines and prevent further fire spread. The terrain and available vegetation provided additional fuel in some areas.
During the night, the extinguishing media were deployed in the housing protection especially in the environment of To Rexa, where the fire reached very close to several houses. Crews set up backfires and refueled the perimeter to contain the spread.
As of early Monday morning the fire remains asset, with finishing work and surveillance in the most unstable sectors and with air support to cool the hot zones.
Condition of the brigade members and medical report
The five injured belong to the Castromaior heliborne brigade and suffer second-degree burns of varying severity. According to the medical report, one of 24 years has burns on the 25% of the body e smoke poisoning; another, of 25 years, has affected the 15%; a third, of 24 years, the 10%; and the other two, of 29 y 27 years, the 8% and the 5%respectively.
The five were initially treated at the Mariña Public Hospital (Burela) and, after initial stabilization, transferred to CHUAC, where they remain admitted to the burn unit with serious prognosis.
According to operational sources, the accident in which they were injured occurred during a sudden change of wind which altered the behavior of the fire. In this context, several firefighters attempted take refuge in a riverbed and were rescued by the emergency devices deployed in the area.
Deployed and operational means
They participate in the extinction work on land 23 agents, 31 brigades, 27 motor pumps, 4 excavators, 4 technicians y 2 technical support units. In the air device they operate 7 helicopters y 3 aircraft, with rotation for water supply and continuous discharges on the most active flanks.
In addition to the local teams, the support of the BRIF based in Asturias, integrated into the joint strategy of the Xunta de Galicia to stabilize the perimeter. The Minister of Rural Environment He moved to the command post to monitor the progress of the tasks.
La A-8, which was cut off as a precaution due to smoke, has already been reopened to traffic. In the N-634 There were intermittent traffic jams and roadblocks while air and ground resources operated on sections near the roadway.
Condition in the area and recommendations for caution
Neighbors of To Rexa They described a complicated night due to the proximity of the flames to several homes, with a constant presence of firefighting teams to safeguard the surrounding area. Coordination between ground and air resources helped contain the most dangerous advances.
The presence of dense smoke affected mobility and visibility at various points in the municipality. Emergencies requested the population extreme caution when traveling and follow official instructions while work continues.
Research and next steps
El origin of the fire is under investigation. At this time, no official hypothesis has been released and the focus of the work remains on the stabilization and control of the perimeter to prevent reactivations.
With the forecast of variable wind conditionsFirefighting services are maintaining preventive resources in the most affected areas. Authorities will update the affected area and the status of the injured as the day progresses.
The immediate priority is to consolidate the flanks and hot spots, secure nearby roads, and guarantee the protection of inhabited areas, while the health network monitors the progress of the five hospitalized brigade members.
The device is working against the clock to stop a fire that has already razed about 80 hectares en Saint Xusto de Cabarcos, with a significant deployment on land and in the air, with an eye to the safety of the population and the professionals who remain on the front line. The investigation will also take into account the role of the climate change in the increased risk of large fires.
