Forest fire in Zafra activates the Emergency Plan of Extremadura.

A forest fire has been declared in Zafra, a town in the province of Badajoz, which has led to the activation of operational situation 1 of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (INFOCAEX) at 3:10 PM this Sunday, August 11. This event has prompted a swift response from local and regional authorities, who have mobilized more than 20 personnel to combat the flames that have erupted on the ring road south of the city. The fire, which has already generated considerable concern among the local residents, has been classified as a risk situation for people, property, and the environment. In response to this alert, the emergency management and coordination bodies established in INFOCAEX have been activated, allowing for a more effective and organized response to the crisis. Since the fire was detected, the Emergency Coordination Center 112 Extremadura has received about 40 calls from citizens reporting the flames and the dense column of smoke rising into the sky, demonstrating the community's concern and the immediacy of the situation. Such incidents not only pose a risk to the safety of residents but can also have significant repercussions on the natural environment of the region. On-site, a total of 21 personnel have been mobilized, comprising various intervention units. These include three units of forest firefighters, four air support units, two natural environment agents, and one technician from Infoex. Additionally, the Fire Extinction and Prevention Service of Zafra has been present, along with the Red Cross and the Civil Guard, to ensure the safety of the population and the effectiveness of the extinguishing efforts. Collaboration among different security and emergency bodies is essential in situations of this magnitude. Local police have also participated, working in the area to facilitate access for extinguishing teams and to coordinate the evacuation of people if necessary. The mayor of Zafra, Juan Carlos Fernández, has also arrived at the scene, accompanied by other council members of his team, to oversee the situation and provide support to the emergency teams. The Government of Extremadura has expressed its commitment to utilizing all available resources to minimize the impact of the fire on both the population and the environment. Extinguishing efforts are currently underway, and it is expected that with the mobilization of adequate resources, the fire can be controlled as quickly as possible. Such fires highlight the vulnerability of our biodiversity and the importance of a rapid response in emergency situations. The community must remain alert and collaborate with authorities to ensure effective management of natural resources and the protection of local residents. The activation of operational situation 1 of the INFOCAEX Plan emphasizes the seriousness with which these incidents are treated, as although it is believed that the fire can be controlled with existing resources, the anticipation of its evolution has led to additional measures being taken to safeguard the safety of people and properties that are not forested. The situation in Zafra continues to develop, and authorities are maintaining constant vigilance over the fire. The community hopes that, thanks to the efforts of the extinguishing teams and the coordination of various administrations, the fire will be extinguished without causing irreparable damage to the flora, fauna, and heritage of the area. The safety of citizens and nature depends on an effective and supportive response to this emergency.