El Lake of Sanabria It has become a strategic point for fighting the fires affecting the region, serving as a water loading point for aircraft. The influx of people at this time of year requires extreme precautions, with security measures activated on a timely basis in bathing areas and at the entrances to the surroundings.
The authorities have reiterated that, for operational reasons, Bathing is prohibited during loading maneuvers of airplanes and helicopters. Warnings are disseminated through emergency public address system and the Civil Guard, which regulates access to avoid risks and crowding near the water while conducting low-altitude incursions.
Temporary bathing ban and access control
The Territorial Delegation in Zamora has confirmed that the restriction applies only during water intake operations, the bathhouse reopening when the aerial vehicles have completed their flights. This is a measure preventive to protect users in a busy environment.
Agents of the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) They support the operation by informing swimmers and regulating traffic at the lake entrances, paying special attention to the busiest areas. They also limits the use of recreational boats and water toys during maneuvers, so that they do not interfere with the approach and departure route of the aircraft.
Water leisure services have adapted their operations to stop skate, kayak and board outings when announcements are made over the PA system, resuming activity only when the space is free.
Likewise, given the evolution of the fire in nearby areas, caution has been requested when moving around and it is recommended follow the instructions of emergency personnel present in the area of the natural park.
Air and ground operations on the lake and its surroundings
They work on the device thirteen aircraft: eight seaplanes and five helicopters with different payload capacities. The passes over Lake Sanabria are carried out very low height to optimize times and ensure a continuous supply of water to active fronts.
The coordination of the operation has been marked as a priority not to compromise the safety of the population, so the use of the lake by aircraft is compatible with temporary closures of bathing areas. Information to the public is provided by loudspeakers and patrols, which also act at the entrances to prevent observers from entering at unauthorized points.
On land, work continues perimeter, opening of defense lines and support for nearby towns to minimize the impact of the fire. The wind, which has blown strongly at times, is complicating the stability of the perimeters and forcing the adjustment of routes and refueling times.
The largest concentration of flames is located in adjacent areas, but the lake is essential for the fast and sustained loads which relieves pressure on the fronts and gives ground teams space to move.
Evacuations and security measures in the region
They are still active preventive evictions in Castromil, Villanueva de la Sierra, Barjacoba, Pías and Porto, with attention to the neighbors in Puebla de Sanabria (school, Valverde de Lucerna high school and home school). The following collaborate in the device: Red Cross and Civil Protection volunteers displaced from Villaralbo and Toro.
Patrols are asking people who are still hesitant to accept the eviction For their safety and to avoid hindering the work. The priority is to keep the population safe and facilitate the work of the firefighting teams in the areas and surrounding areas.
In terms of mobility, there have been recorded road closures on the A-52 and N-525 in the area around Puebla de Sanabria due to the reactivation of outbreaks due to the wind. At the provincial level, the ZA-102 and ZA-101 in sections close to the evacuated municipalities.
Authorities recommend planning alternative routes, avoid unnecessary travel and respect the instructions of the teams that regulate access and capacity in the most sensitive areas of the natural park.
Fire evolution and extinguishing techniques on the ground
The fire, which started in Ourense and extended towards Zamora, remains with several complicated points and a high level of severity. The strategy on the Zamora side has been protect urban centers and homes, reinforcing the containment lines most exposed to wind changes.
Those responsible for the operation have used technical fire (backfires) to stop the flames from spreading in favorable areas. These maneuvers have shown results. very positive in areas such as Villanueva de la Sierra, where the front was stabilized.
Whereas in Castromil Backfires were suspended due to the combination of humidity, temperature, and wind direction, which increased the risk to the crews. Given this situation, surveillance and containment efforts were reinforced through other means to prioritize personnel safety.
The forecast remains subject to the meteorological evolution The teams' capacity to consolidate perimeters is now underway. Surveillance is maintained in areas near the lake to prevent isolated outbreaks from interfering with cargo routes and beach safety.
