Fire crews contain 6.5 km of Murias de Ponjos wildfire perimeter as evacuations hold at 174
Favourable night-time weather allowed firefighters to deploy tactical burns, bringing the Murias de Ponjos blaze in León province to index 2 while 174 residents remain evacuated.
The Murias de Ponjos wildfire in León province showed significant improvement overnight Saturday as cooler temperatures and moist north winds allowed firefighters to deploy tactical burns, containing up to 6.5 kilometres of the 8‑km fire front. The regional delegate Eduardo Diego confirmed that 174 residents from six villages remain under evacuation orders, although only six people spent the night at the Riello shelter. The fire, which began late Thursday and was classified out of extinction capacity by Friday night, now holds an IGR 2 severity index while crews work to close the final 1.5-kilometre stretch.
Fire status
By Saturday morning, the head of the fire had been surrounded along 6.5 km of its 8 km perimeter, a critical step toward stabilisation. The IGR (Potential Severity Index) remained at 2, down from the critical stage reached Friday night when the blaze was considered beyond the capacity of available resources. Active points still burned towards Inicio and Valdesamario, though both villages remained safe for the moment.
- Fire ignites near Murias de Ponjos and begins to spread.
- Fire rated 'out of extinction capacity' as winds and heat drive growth.
- Cooler, humid north winds allow tactical fire; 6.5 km of perimeter secured.
Tactical fire strategy
A planned ignition strategy, known as technical fire or counterfire, was executed during the night thanks to a window of favourable weather. Eduardo Diego explained that the entry of humid northern winds allowed crews to burn fuel ahead of the main fire, preventing its spread.
These conditions allowed the strategy of technical fire to be carried out to stop the fire's advance.
It allowed us to close almost almost the entire perimeter.
The north wind continues to condition the efforts and poses a threat to reaching at least stabilisation. Firefighters concentrated on the remaining active sector, hoping to finish containment before the wind shifts.
Evacuations and affected communities
A total of 174 people were ordered to leave their homes in the villages of Ponjos (17), Rosales (20), Folloso (2), Andarraso (15), Trascastro (60), and Inicio (60). The designated shelter at Riello’s school received only six overnight guests, as most evacuees found alternative lodging. Diego noted that Rosales, initially one of the most threatened areas, was no longer in immediate danger, and the fire had not crossed the Rosales stream.
- Ponjos
- 17 people
- Rosales
- 20 people
- Folloso
- 2 people
- Andarraso
- 15 people
- Trascastro
- 60 people
- Inicio
- 60 people
Resources on the ground
The operation deployed six bulldozers, six ground crews, seven water trucks, two BRIF brigades, three helitransported crews, six helicopters, plus environmental technicians and agents. The coordinated effort, directed from the Integrated Operational Coordination Centre (Cecopi), continued through Saturday, with the day’s evolution depending on the behaviour of the north wind.
Other fires in the province
Two additional forest fires in the Bierzo region, at Castropodame and Quintela (Balboa municipality), were downgraded to IGR 0 after a rainy night across much of the comarca. Crews remain on watch to prevent rekindling.
