Wildfire in Andújar activates a massive deployment of firefighting resources.

A forest fire that broke out this Sunday in the town of Andújar, Jaén, has led to an unprecedented deployment of resources to combat the flames, which have affected an area predominantly covered with olive trees. At 3:15 PM, the Andalusian Forest Fire Extinction Service, known as Plan Infoca, raised the alarm, initiating an operation that grew in complexity and number of personnel as the fire progressed. The nature of the terrain has posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts. With dense vegetation and a landscape dominated by olive groves, the fire spread rapidly, necessitating an immediate and effective response from the authorities. Initially, the intervention included the deployment of three planes, a light helicopter, and several units of forest firefighters, all working together to halt the advance of the flames. As the situation became more critical, additional aerial resources were added to the operation, including two light amphibious planes and a medium helicopter. The proximity of the Encinarejo reservoir allowed these aerial units to more easily replenish their water supply, thus increasing the initial response capacity. However, the speed at which the fire spread notably complicated ground operations. The latest update from Plan Infoca, around seven in the evening, revealed an expanded deployment that included a total of 16 aerial resources, combining helicopters of different capacities and various cargo aircraft. On the ground, more than 100 personnel were engaged in the fight, supported by specialized vehicles, bulldozers, and medical units to handle any emergencies. The climatic conditions in the region have played a crucial role in the fire's advancement. With winds reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h and an extremely low relative humidity of 15%, the environment became adverse for firefighting efforts. Those responsible for Plan Infoca worked tirelessly in the northwest of the area, seeking to contain the flames and protect dense vegetation areas at risk of being consumed by the fire. As night fell, aerial operations had to be suspended due to darkness, which forced a readjustment of the firefighting strategy to operate solely with ground personnel. By 11:00 PM, the operation consisted of 15 groups of forest firefighters, who, along with reinforcement brigades and operations technicians, continued to battle the fire with the aim of preventing its spread. In total, about 150 personnel were on-site, along with ground infrastructure that included five fire engines and monitoring units. Collaboration among the different working groups has been essential to address this emergency, which not only threatens the region's flora and fauna but also impacts the local community. The residents of Andújar, as well as those living in surrounding areas, are on alert for the potential of evacuations if the situation is not quickly controlled. The uncertainty regarding the fire's progression and recommendations from local authorities have led many to prepare for possible emergencies. For its part, Plan Infoca continues to monitor the evolution of the fire, committed to protecting both human life and the natural heritage of the region. The community remains united, supporting the firefighting personnel and hoping that the brave efforts of these professionals will succeed in containing the fire and preserving the environment. As the night progresses, hope intertwines with concern, as everyone awaits the results of their collective effort to bring the fire under control.