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Sierra Oeste breathes after a critical night against the fire
Sierra Oeste de Madrid breathes a little more calmly after one of the fire's most delicate nights. Emergency teams managed to contain its advance and prevent flames crossing the Cofio River, a scenario that would have extended risk towards Sierra de Guadarrama.
The night of 28 July concentrated much of the tension. Firefighters arrived in the area after several days of accumulated work and with orders to watch hot spots to prevent any reactivation of the fire front.
A crew made up of veteran personnel from the Villaviciosa de Odón station took control of one of the most dangerous sectors. There, fire-damaged pines could fall without warning and required a constant safety distance to be maintained.
Although the flames were no longer advancing with the same intensity, the danger remained. Weakened trunks, ash and poor visibility complicated every movement, while crews worked close to their vehicles so that they could withdraw quickly.
The fall of a large pine raised a cloud of smoke and ash and forced a rethink of the strategy. For several hours, the sound of trees collapsing in the darkness kept firefighters deployed on the ground alert.
Finally, commanders ordered the most unstable point to be abandoned and new instructions awaited. Shortly afterwards, confirmation came over the radio that the situation was under control, coinciding with the start of the de-escalation and the gradual return of some residents.
Coordination between the various emergency services and the declaration of level 3 were decisive in concentrating resources and avoiding greater damage. The main positive outcome is that there were no casualties and inhabited areas could be protected.
The fire will still require days or weeks of monitoring before it is completely extinguished. With dry ground and high temperatures, crews will continue checking for possible flare-ups while the Sierra Oeste gradually returns to its usual activity.