Forest fire near La Mierla remains active: up to 32,000 hectares affected

La Mierla – 22 July 2026: The forest fire near La Mierla in the Sierra Norte of the province of Guadalajara, which has been burning since July 16, remains not fully under control. According to the latest situation report published on Tuesday, July 21, the fire affects an area of approximately 30,000 to 32,000 hectares. The incident command assesses the situation as a stabilization phase, but warns that some sections of the fire remain active.

Firefighting efforts are focused on the left flank of the blaze near Condemios de Arriba and Condemios de Abajo. There, crews are concentrating their attacks on the still-active fire fronts. Previously, protecting populated areas had taken priority. Incident command said that the spread toward the province of Soria had initially been slowed, but that the entire fire area was still considered active.

According to authorities, more than 1,200 people from 34 localities were still unable to return to their homes. The return of individual residents is being considered, but will depend in each case on the specific level of danger. In Humanes, the Red Cross continued to care for around 80 evacuees in an emergency shelter. Localities in the neighboring region of Castile and Leon were also evacuated as a precaution.

The scale of the fire and the rugged terrain are making the operation particularly difficult. Ravines and valleys can accelerate the spread of the flames, while forest tracks and steep slopes hinder access for heavy vehicles. According to the regional government, more than 1,000 emergency personnel were working in rotating shifts at times on Monday. Up to 29 aircraft were deployed simultaneously, supported by Spain’s UME military emergency unit and state wildfire brigades.

The stated area refers to the land affected by the fire within a perimeter around 120 kilometers long. It is therefore preliminary and should not be equated with a finally measured area that has been completely burned. The regional government of Castile-La Mancha intends to prepare a reconstruction and recovery plan for the Sierra Norte once the acute firefighting operation has ended. Spanish Environment Minister Sara Aagesen indicated that the central government would participate in the program.

In addition to forests and grazing land, the economic foundations of many small communities have also been affected. The region depends in part on forestry, extensive livestock farming and rural tourism. Municipalities also fear consequences for the water supply if ash is washed into the Beleña reservoir during later rainfall. Authorities are paying particularly close attention to protecting ecologically valuable areas around Pico Ocejón and the Hayedo de Tejera Negra beech forest.