After almost a week away from their homes, the favorable evolution of the Orés fire, stabilized yesterday after burning about 15,000 hectares in the Zaragoza region of Cinco Villas, began this Monday to return to their homes in a staggered manner.
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About a thousand people from the Aragonese towns of Luesia, Uncastillo, Malpica de Arba, Asín, and Orés and from the Navarrese Petilla de Aragón, evacuated last Wednesday due to uncontrolled flames dangerously approaching their municipalities.
This was announced by the Aragonese Interior Minister, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, after this morning’s meeting at Cecopi (Integrated Operational Coordination Center). The spokesperson highlighted that in recent hours the fire has not spread beyond some “isolated” spots in “interior areas” without major consequences, and that the fire’s evolution is “favorable.”
First, the return of residents from Luesia, Uncastillo, Malpica de Arba, and Petilla de Aragón has been authorized. Located in the outermost areas of the perimeter, the minister assured that they have potable water supply, electricity, and telephone coverage, which allows the population’s return to begin with safety guarantees.
Fire
An extinction device with 150 personnel remains in place
Meanwhile, the residents of Asín and Orés had to wait for authorities to inspect the road connecting them, and around midday they received the green light to return to their homes.
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The return operation is being coordinated by the social workers of the region and the Red Cross. This also affects the hundred grandparents who had to be transferred from four residences in the area to a center in Zaragoza, whose return will be made “when assistance in perfect conditions is guaranteed in their original residences,” according to sources from the regional government.
The Aragonese Government has reminded that the access authorized today is restricted exclusively to evacuated persons, emergency services, and essential service supply companies. Additionally, it requests that returning residents stay within the town when they return, as the operation continues working in the area to eliminate all hotspots and ensure safety ahead of a new heat wave.
The device planned for this Monday is made up of approximately 150 personnel, including resources from the Government of Aragón, Infoar, Civil Protection, Civil Guard, DPZ Firefighters, 061, Red Cross, UME, and resources from Navarre, among other agencies.
Bermúdez de Castro also pointed out that, as soon as possible, actions will be taken to provide water and food to live livestock and that the public company Sarga will be responsible for removing dead animals. Likewise, he recalled that the government has a framework decree approved last year following multiple floods for aid to those affected, and in the coming days the first payments will begin.
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