The Integrated Operational Coordination Center (Cecopi) has ordered the Preventive evacuation of all villages in the Fornela Valley due to the progress of the fire that started in Anllares del Sil (Páramo del Sil), declared at level 2 by the IGP (General Plan for the Prevention of Traffic). The measure affects Faro, Cariseda, Peranzanes, Trascastro, Chano, GuÃmara, and Argayo del Sil, with the aim of preventing residents from being isolated due to road closures. More on fire progress and evacuations in León
The decision was made after confirming the closure of one of the valley's access points and the risk of blocking the second. The LE-4225 was interrupted in the morning and the LE-4212, which runs through the valley from north to south, was compromised by the advance of the flames, which has forced the orderly exit of the population.
Access cuts and reasons for eviction
Fornela only has two main road entrances: the intersection of the LE-4212 with the interior of the valley and the LE-4225, which connects with La Espina via Anllarinos (near the Páramo Hospital district). The closure of the LE-4225 and the fall of the front over the stretch near the LE-4212 left the valley with very limited access.
Given the possibility that both roads will remain closedCecopi prioritized neighborhood safety and ordered a preventive evacuation. This maneuver allows firefighting teams to work without endangering residents or the firefighters themselves in the event of a sudden fire outbreak.
Fire progress and areas of greatest risk
Technicians describe a fire of unstable behavior, with shifting winds and flames of considerable height. The most active front is moving south and is keeping the Cúa basin and the area around Fabero, parallel to the axis of the LE-4212, on alert. The priority of the operation is focused on the points where the progress is faster and could compromise infrastructure. In this scenario, the town of Faro is the most exposed due to its location, although the entire valley has been placed under the same security protocol.
The fire broke out a while ago Ten days in Páramo del Sil and progressed up the valley through Valdeprado before fully affecting the surrounding area. The enclave belongs to the Ancares Leoneses Biosphere Reserve, which adds environmental sensitivity to the extinction and surveillance work.
Affected population and context of the Fornela Valley
The eviction reaches seven widely dispersed nuclei in one of the most remote valleys of El Bierzo. A staggered exit has been coordinated to avoid congestion and ensure no one is left behind, with the collaboration of emergency personnel and municipal staff. In Fornela, the stable population is very reduced in winter, but during the summer it increases due to the arrival of families and visitors. The Regional Government will update official relocation figures when the count is complete and the availability of temporary accommodation is confirmed.
Along with the means deployed by the administration, it has been registered spontaneous neighborhood support from nearby towns, including Anllares, although authorities insist that any aid must be channeled through the operation to avoid unnecessary risks.
The Fornela Valley is located within the Ancares Leoneses Biosphere Reserve, a mosaic of forests, brañas, and pastures of high ecological value. Environmental protection and the safety of the population guide the decisions taken while the fire's progress is monitored.
The next few hours will be crucial to consolidating access points, containing the southward-moving front, and facilitating the possible return of residents when conditions are safe.