Wildfires are hitting Cuenca with four active fronts and a deployment of personnel.

This Tuesday, the province of Cuenca has been the scene of a forest fire that required the disconnection of a substation on the high-speed Madrid-Levante line. The fire, which broke out in Valverdejo around 3:30 PM, forced authorities to take strong measures to ensure the safety of the teams working on its extinguishment. Despite the disconnection of the substation, sources from the Railway Infrastructure Manager (Adif) have stated that rail traffic has not been affected, thanks to the power supply from other nearby substations. The decision to disconnect the substation was not taken lightly; operational level 1 was established for the fire due to the potential impact on non-forest properties. This underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need to act quickly to control the flames threatening the natural environment and surrounding infrastructure. The forest fire prevention plan of Castilla-La Mancha, known as Infocam, has been actively involved in managing the crisis. A total of 14 air resources, 11 ground resources, and approximately 105 personnel are participating in the firefighting efforts in Valverdejo. This extensive deployment of resources highlights the seriousness of the situation and the dedication of emergency teams to combat the flames. Since the fire was detected, the Fidias forest fire information system has reported that 23 ground resources and 23 air resources have been mobilized, including some aircraft from the Ministry for Ecological Transition. But Valverdejo is not the only place in Cuenca facing the threat of fires. On the same Tuesday, three other fires have broken out in the province, in the municipalities of Castillejo-Sierra, La Parra de las Vegas, and Valdemorillo de la Sierra. Although the fire in Valdemorillo de la Sierra was controlled quickly, the other two remain active and require ongoing attention. In the case of Castillejo-Sierra, the fire was detected at 7:45 AM, and there is currently a deployment involving four resources and about twenty personnel working on its extinguishment. The situation in La Parra de las Vegas is also concerning, with a fire detected at 10:23 AM. As the day progresses, around 90 people and about twenty resources are working to contain the fire, although at 5:00 PM, eight resources and 38 personnel were still dedicated to the task. The rapid response of emergency teams is crucial to prevent these fires from spreading and causing even greater damage. The risk of fires in the province of Cuenca is extreme, prompting authorities to urge the public to take precautions. The climatic conditions, combined with the drought affecting the region, have created an ideal breeding ground for the spread of forest fires. This situation presents a significant challenge for both emergency teams and the community at large. The fire in Valverdejo and the other active fires highlight the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks that forest fires pose. Collaboration among the various entities involved in firefighting is crucial to minimize damage. Furthermore, effective communication between authorities and citizens can play a decisive role in preventing critical situations like those currently being experienced in Cuenca. It is essential for the public to stay informed about weather conditions and fire alerts. Individual and collective responsibility can make a difference in preserving nature and protecting infrastructure. In times of extreme risk, proactive action can save lives and valuable resources. The commitment of emergency teams and the collaboration of the community are key factors in the fight against forest fires. As the flames continue to burn in various parts of Cuenca, it becomes evident that prevention and preparedness are essential to face this constant threat. The lessons learned from these situations are vital for future interventions and for ensuring a safer environment for all.