The wildfire that started in La Mierla, the largest in Guadalajara's history, has burned more than 32,000 hectares and is beginning to stabilize. Five of the 34 evacuated localities have started receiving residents back.
Castilla-La Mancha President Emiliano García-Page chaired the CECOPI meeting in Tamajón on Wednesday and stated that the fire enters "a phase of reasonable optimism". The blaze is not extinguished but is more controlled and some restrictions have been lifted.
Of the 34 evacuated localities, five have begun receiving residents back: Riofrío del Llano, Cardeñosa, Santiuste, Angón and Rebollosa de Jadraque. García-Page indicated that La Mierla could join that list today or tomorrow, although 29 villages remain evacuated.
The central government will cover 50% of the recovery of the area, as announced by Minister Sara Aagesen. Castilla-La Mancha will request a catastrophic zone declaration and expects additional aid for restoring environments and wells.
On the western flank, the fire has made a jump that requires reinforcing the operation near the border with Soria. Four helicopters, nine bulldozers and other units are working to contain the advance in rugged terrain about ten kilometres from Soria province.
