Spain deploys military as wildfire in Huelva forces 70 evacuations amid shifting winds
Spanish authorities escalated their response to a wildfire in Niebla, Huelva, on Saturday, activating the military’s emergency unit as shifting winds and rapid expansion rendered the blaze uncontrollable. The Andalusian government raised the emergency to operational level 2, deploying 275 ground personnel, including 60 troops from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, alongside 10 aircraft, 79 vehicles, and heavy machinery to contain the fire’s advance .
The fire, which ignited Thursday afternoon in the Raboconejo area, has forced 70 evacuations, with 40 residents from La Florida among those displaced. Two roads—the HU-3106 between Niebla and Valverde del Camino, and the A-493—remain closed. Officials reported four radical wind shifts, the latest overnight, pushing the fire’s front beyond suppression capacity and forcing the withdrawal of aerial units from the most volatile sector .
Andalusia’s emergency chief, Antonio Sanz, described the situation as “extremely complex,” citing the fire’s aggressive northern head and the lack of safe containment opportunities. The UME confirmed its teams are conducting perimeter reconnaissance with drones and deploying bulldozers to expand firebreaks .
Meanwhile, Spain’s UME was also mobilized to Castellón, where three simultaneous wildfires burned 45 hectares, prompting the confinement of Serra d’en Galcerán and the evacuation of isolated farmhouses. Over 200 personnel, including regional firefighters, police, and military units, worked through the night, with 12 aircraft supporting operations by Saturday morning .
In France, authorities declared the 18-day wildfire in Var’s Gros Bessillon massif “fixed” on Friday, though full control is expected to take days. The blaze, which scorched 6,300 hectares and destroyed dozens of homes, required 450 firefighters and international reinforcements. A separate fire in Drôme’s Claps massif has consumed nearly 300 hectares since igniting five days ago, with hotspots still active .
Italy’s Gardasee region saw over 200 evacuations as a wildfire threatened Tignale and other lakeside towns, with flames visible across tourist areas. Firefighters continued containment efforts into Saturday .
In Slovakia, a deliberate fire in Braväcovo destroyed five homes and five recreational buildings, leaving four families homeless. One person suffered smoke inhalation, and damages were estimated at €400,000. Investigators confirmed arson as the suspected cause .
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