Wildfires raise alarm in Monroy and Peraleda de la Mata in Cáceres.

This Wednesday, the municipalities of Monroy and Peraleda de la Mata, in the province of Cáceres, have been engulfed in concern and fear caused by two forest fires that required the activation of level 1 of danger by the Forest Fire Fighting Plan of Extremadura (Infoex). The fire in Monroy was declared at 4:46 PM, while Peraleda de la Mata reported a fire shortly after, at 4:38 PM, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. In Monroy, the flames originated on the river road and advanced dangerously toward the village's dehesa, coming within just 50 meters of homes. The quick alert from children who were at the village pool was crucial in activating a rapid response. Mayor Sandra Bernal recounted how the children alerted the firefighters upon noticing the smoke, which helped prevent the flames from spreading beyond the 15 hectares affected. "We went through moments of anguish and a lot of fear," Bernal commented, thanking the cooperation of the neighbors, who even joined in the firefighting efforts using buckets of water from the pool. The intervention of emergency services was notable, with a deployment of 29 personnel that included four ground crews, an airlift crew, and three aerial units. Thanks to their efforts, the flames were controlled before causing significant damage to homes and the natural environment. Mayor Bernal expressed relief at the containment of the fire, noting that had it moved toward the riverbanks, the situation could have been much more serious due to the abundant vegetation in the area. On the other hand, in Peraleda de la Mata, the situation also demanded a swift response. The fire, which was declared at 4:38 PM, activated level 1 of danger at 5:25 PM. In this locality, 29 personnel were also mobilized to combat the fire, including four ground crews and two aerial units. The quick mobilization of resources is essential in these cases, as every minute counts in preventing the spread of the flames. Both fires have generated a wave of unease among the residents, who have experienced firsthand the danger that forest fires represent in the region. The Department of Forest Management and Rural World has called for caution and expressed gratitude to all the personnel who have worked tirelessly to control the situation and prevent a greater disaster. Community collaboration has been a key element in the response to these fires. The mayor of Monroy highlighted the spirit of solidarity among the neighbors, who came together to combat the flames and protect their homes. "It's impressive to see the community united in times of crisis," she commented, emphasizing how even the youngest contributed their efforts. As the afternoon wore on and the fires were contained, calm returned to the affected towns. However, the memories of the anguish experienced still linger in the minds of their inhabitants. The threat of forest fires is a reality they must deal with every season, and the recent experience reinforces the need to continue strengthening prevention and response plans for these disasters. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could trigger a new fire. Environmental education and awareness of the importance of caring for the natural environment are essential to minimizing the risks associated with this issue. In conclusion, today has imparted a clear lesson about the importance of preparation and collaboration in the fight against forest fires. Although the flames have been controlled, the phenomenon of fire remains a constant challenge for rural communities in Extremadura. The hope is that with each incident, community bonds will continue to strengthen and vigilance over environmental protection will be maintained.