El fire declared at 15:51 p.m. in the parish of Requeixo, in the Ourense municipality of Chandrexa de Queixa, continues to be active in a mountain area of the Massif Central. The Latest official estimates put the affected area at more than 300 hectares., having a column of smoke visible from several kilometers. The Xunta maintains deployment to control the fire and protect the area.
Control work is progressing with difficulty due to the rugged orography and intense heat that dominates the province. Although the flames threaten the environment of the O Invernadoiro Natural Park, the Xunta confirms that the fire has not entered the protected area Until now.
Current fire situation
The fire is spreading in a high mountain area, which complicates access to the most active fronts and forces prioritize combined attacks from land and airAt this time, the fire is still burning. various fronts, without affecting population centers, but with reinforced surveillance in the most exposed areas.
Authorities insist that the perimeter is still evolving and that the immediate objective is stabilize the sectors with greater intensity, reduce the speed of advance and consolidate lines of defense on the steepest slopes.
Rural Environment sources emphasize that the measurements are provisional due to the changing fire dynamics and the next few hours will be crucial to containing the hot spots. For updates, see the .
The large cloud of smoke can be seen from Trives and Castro Caldelas, causing concern among residents and vacationers passing through the Massif Central area.
No evictions have been ordered at this time, but a preventive device in case conditions change.
Deployed and operational means
The firefighting operation has escalated rapidly. The operation involves 6 technicians, 37 agents, 47 brigades, 51 motor pumps, 3 shovels, 7 helicopters and 8 airplanes, plus 2 technical support units, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Rural Environment. To learn about best practices, visit the forest fire prevention section.
Among the resources mobilized are: Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF), with the Laza base providing 16 forest firefighters transported in two helicoptersOne of its members had to be evacuated due to possible heat stroke and was initially transported by BRIF helicopter to Laza, from where he was taken to a health center for evaluation.
The operations command coordinates simultaneous attacks in the northern and western sectors, prioritizing firewalls and secure anchors to secure the perimeter and reduce the intensity of the flames at points with the greatest fuel load.
At the entrances have been arranged water points and brigade relief to sustain continued effort throughout the afternoon and evening, with a shift schedule that minimizes risks of fatigue and heat.
If necessary, the device is prepared to reinforce air resources during the hours of greatest atmospheric stability and visibility.
Difficult terrain and weather
The affected area presents steep slopes, cliffs and gullies This requires a constant redirection of tactics on the ground. This complex terrain limits the mobility of fire engines and complicates the anchoring of defense lines. To understand the challenges, see the section on climate and its effect on fires.
Furthermore, Ourense is located in orange warning for high temperatures and some areas will activate red notice in the coming hours, with values that could easily exceed 40 ºC. These conditions favor the spread and make it difficult to cool hot spots.
The behavior of fire is highly conditioned by the extreme heat and low humidity, so any wind changes that could reactivate flame tongues on exposed slopes are monitored.
Emergency services remind that the heat accumulated in fine vegetation and scrub, along with the fuel availability, increases the speed of advance in certain sectors.
For operational security, unauthorized access to forest tracks is restricted and a safe working radius around active fronts.
Environmental and social impact
The burned area includes open scrubland and areas with high ecological value in the surroundings of the Massif Central. Although the O Invernadoiro Natural Park has not been reached, and its proximity requires extreme precautions to avoid damage to sensitive habitats. Learn more about local biodiversity at .
The presence of Nature Network The environment requires a thorough environmental assessment once stabilization is achieved, with special attention to soil recovery and fauna affected by smoke and thermal stress.
La column of smoke This has affected visibility on nearby roads and caused discomfort from suspended particles in nearby towns. It is recommended to close windows and avoid prolonged outdoor activities in the most exposed areas.
In parallel, it is coordinated with Civil Protection for possible one-off assistance and surveillance of isolated homes, although there is no record of any affected properties.
The area remains under continuous observation We are waiting for conditions to allow for the perimeter to be consolidated. To stay up to date, check out the warning and prevention campaigns for preventing forest fires.
Evolution of the affected surface
Initial assessments placed the condition at around 100 hectares shortly after the fire started, and was later upgraded to around 200 hectares as the measurement work progressed.
As the hours passed and new perimeters were consolidated, the number has increased. raised above 300 hectares, data that the authorities currently use as an operational reference.
These variations respond to the provisional character from measurements in active fires, where the extent can change rapidly due to flare-ups and fire jumps. For additional information, review the official recommendations at .
After stabilization, a final perimeter with field means and image analysis to determine the final affected area.
Recommendations and safety
The Xunta and the emergency services ask the population take extreme precautions: do not burn or work with the risk of sparks, avoid cigarette butts and notify immediately Call 085 or 112 if you experience any suspected outbreak or smoke. For more advice, see forest fire safety measures.
It is suggested to limit travel on forest tracks to avoid interfere with the media extinguishing and keeping the roads clear for fire engines and support vehicles.
In case of presence of smoke, it is recommended close windows, wear masks if there is prolonged exposure and protect vulnerable people, especially children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory pathologies.
If you live in areas close to the wildland-urban interface, it is advisable to check safety strips around homes and have essential documentation and supplies on hand in case a preventive move is necessary.
In extreme heat conditions, it is key hydrate frequently and avoid prolonged efforts during the central hours of the day, for your own safety and to avoid incidents that divert resources from the operation.