Infoca personnel manage to contain a forest fire in Andújar, Jaén.

Firefighters from the Andalusian Forest Fire Extinguishing Service, known as Plan Infoca, have managed to slow the advance of a forest fire that broke out last Sunday in Andújar, Jaén. With around 150 personnel on the ground, the operation has seen favorable developments in recent hours, despite the adverse conditions posed by the fire. The situation has improved thanks to the thermal investment in the area and the intense extinguishing efforts. The fire originated on Sunday afternoon, around 3:15 PM, in an area characterized by dense vegetation and a significant presence of olive trees, which has complicated the extinguishing efforts. However, the proximity of the Encinarejo reservoir has allowed aerial resources, which had previously been active, to refill with water to combat the flames. Initially, the emergency response included three water-dropping planes, a light helicopter, and an initial group of firefighters, which has expanded as the magnitude of the fire required. Over the hours, the operation has grown to include up to 16 aerial resources, with the cooperation of 100 ground personnel and various support units. Winds blowing at 10 kilometers per hour have been a factor to consider, but the effectiveness of the coordinated effort has allowed them to keep the fire at bay. During the night, after the withdrawal of aerial resources, the operation adjusted to focus solely on containing the fire from the ground. The work of the forest firefighters has been crucial, with a total of 150 professionals working tirelessly to control the situation. Coordination among different units has ensured that the fire did not spread beyond what was anticipated, despite the challenging environment. The Minister of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification of the Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz, decided to elevate the fire to an emergency phase, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. This measure has been adopted to ensure the protection of people and non-forest assets in the vicinity of the fire. Authorities have also implemented safety measures, closing recreational areas and evacuating some residents near the reservoir as a precaution. Minister Sanz's statements highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the personnel on the ground, expressing gratitude for their hard work under difficult conditions. His message was clear: the safety of the population is paramount, and the commitment of the firefighters is exemplary. These expressions of support are particularly significant in times of crisis, where human effort becomes a decisive factor. As night progresses, efforts continue, and the situation is being closely monitored. Infoca has deployed a wide range of resources, including medical and analytical units, along with heavy machinery to assist in containing the fire. Collaboration among different agencies and the use of advanced technology have been essential in facing this challenge. The local community has also been affected, with road closures and restricted access to certain areas. Concerns for the safety of residents have prompted authorities to act swiftly to prevent potential disasters. In this regard, coordination between emergency services and residents is key to ensuring that everyone is informed and safe. The impact of this forest fire on the region's flora and fauna will be a topic of analysis in the future, as will the assessment of damages and measures to prevent future incidents. The fight against fire is a constant challenge, especially during dry seasons and high temperatures, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. The situation in Andújar serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared to face emergencies and the need for adequate resources for fire extinguishing. The work of Infoca professionals not only focuses on the direct extinguishing of fires but also on protecting the environment and ensuring community safety, a challenge that requires dedication and courage in every intervention.