Alerta en el sur por densa columna de humo de incendio en Toledo

A forest fire near the town of Méntrida in Toledo has caused a dense smoke column visible from the entire south of Madrid, reaching the Community of Madrid and leading to the closure of the A-5 in Navalcarnero and Valmojado.

The wind has been pushing the smoke from Méntrida and Villamanta. Civil Protection has advised the residents of Navalcarnero to take shelter in their homes.

It has also caused confinement and protective measures in the Calypo Fado urbanization in Casarrubios del Monte (Toledo) due to dense smoke.

Currently, a total of 27 units and 112 personnel are working to extinguish the flames, including 12 aerial units with 20 personnel, 12 ground units with 67 personnel, 3 command and coordination units with 7 personnel, and 18 additional internal personnel.

The Madrid Emergency and Security Agency has declared Operational Situation 2 (on a scale of 0 to 3) of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires (INFOMA) due to the fire’s evolution, which could severely affect the population and non-forest assets.

Smoke and ash have also reached the capital.

The high smoke column is visible from many Madrid towns, such as Móstoles, Alcorcón, El Álamo, and Navalcarnero. In the capital, the smoke has darkened the sun. Many citizens have reported experiencing more coughing and respiratory issues on social media.

Emergency services in Castilla-La Mancha have imposed confinement and protective measures in the Calypo Fado urbanization, adjacent to Madrid.

Emergency 112 Madrid has also advised residents of Navalcarnero to stay indoors with windows closed. They are also urged to avoid traveling to the fire area. The A-5 has been closed in that area.

Méntrida is located just four kilometers south of the Community of Madrid, causing areas like Navalcarnero or Arroyomolinos to have skies tinted with grayish and orangish hues, while smoke is visible in other areas like the capital.

Currently, a total of 19 units and 66 personnel are working to extinguish the flames, including 7 aerial units with eight personnel, ten ground units with 41 personnel, 2 command and coordination units with five personnel, and 12 additional internal personnel.

The Community of Madrid has dispatched 6 fire engines, 4 helicopters, and 2 water tankers to assist in the extinguishing efforts, primarily in areas near Aldea del Fresno.

According to the Forest Fire Information System of the Ministry of Sustainable Development (Fidias) in Castilla-La Mancha, the Méntrida fire was detected at 3:02 PM by a fixed observer. The Forest Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Service of Castilla-La Mancha escalated to operational level 1, as visibility on nearby roads was hindered by smoke from the start.