The City Council of Alcalá de Henares has activated the Espartales municipal pavilion as a shelter for individuals evacuated due to the large wildfire impacting several municipalities in the Community of Madrid. The facility is prepared to expand its capacity to 200 people should the emergency situation necessitate further evacuations.
By early Saturday, 53 individuals were accommodated at the venue. Evacuees arrived through various means: some were transported by a bus coordinated by the unified command managing the firefighting operation, while others traveled independently from areas threatened by the advancing flames.
Upon arrival, volunteers from Civil Protection of Alcalá de Henares, along with municipal services, organized the reception process. They registered families and assessed the immediate care, health, and food needs of each person to provide individualized support from the outset.
The setup includes air-conditioned spaces, changing rooms with showers and hot water, restrooms, a support clinic, and a dedicated area for individuals with reduced mobility or special health requirements. The infrastructure is ready for expansion if needed, with a standing team of ten to fifteen Civil Protection volunteers, basic life support, and logistical vehicles.
The City Council is also collaborating with Ahorramás for the supply of food and essential goods. Security Councilor Orlena de Miguel emphasized the Council's priority to provide a safe haven and immediate assistance to those forced to leave their homes, thanking the volunteers, local police, and municipal services for their swift action.
The reception center will remain active as determined by the emergency's unified command, with all necessary municipal resources available to address the wildfire's progression and assist affected individuals.
