Two uncontrolled wildfires threaten several villages in the municipalities of Pantón (Lugo), situated in the heart of Ribeira Sacra, and O Bolo (Ourense). The first fire, which is affecting the Sil Canyon, has devastated at least 360 hectares, according to data from the Xunta. The fire in O Bolo has consumed around 120 hectares. In both instances, emergency situation level 2 has been activated as the flames have approached certain populated areas. Personnel from the Military Emergency Unit (UME) are travelling from León to assist in extinguishing both fires.
The flames ignited in Pantón, in the parish of Pombeira, shortly after 14:00 on Thursday. A firefighter sustained minor injuries due to smoke inhalation and was taken to Monforte Hospital, but has since been discharged. The fire has also caused train services between Lugo and Ourense to be suspended.
Traffic on the provincial road connecting Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil and Ferreira (LUP4103) has also been disrupted. The fire has encroached upon the iconic Santo Estevo monastery and has threatened the village of Lornís. Light rain in the early hours of the day failed to mitigate the situation, with the fire intensifying on Friday. José Luis Álvarez Blanco, the Mayor of Pantón, informed EFE that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined but emphasised that it originated “in the vicinity of the railway line.”
The wildfire in the municipality of O Bolo has already ravaged approximately 120 hectares, prompting the declaration of emergency situation level 2. This was initially due to its proximity to homes in the Santa Cruz area, as reported by the Consellería do Medio Rural. Subsequently, it was necessary to activate the emergency for the Santa Cruz area, also in the Vilaseco parish. The flames began around 23:45 on Thursday.
