Las Rozas sports center becomes a key shelter for wildfire evacuees

The facility is currently hosting over 300 people displaced by forest fires across the Madrid region.

Generic image of a sports center set up as an emergency shelter with cots for evacuees.
IA

Generic image of a sports center set up as an emergency shelter with cots for evacuees.

The La Marazuela Sports and Cultural Center in Las Rozas has become the second most significant shelter in the Community of Madrid for those affected by recent wildfires.

The facility currently houses over 300 people from a dozen municipalities, including Robledo de Chavela, Hoyo de Pinares, Colmenar del Arroyo, Cenicientos, Valdemaqueda, and Pelayos de la Presa. The operation was launched to relocate residents affected by high smoke density and poor air quality in their home areas.
The humanitarian operation, coordinated by various institutions, provides food, medical care, and psychological support. The center's management includes collaboration from the Las Rozas Local Police, who oversee access control, and SAMER health services, which adapt diets and treatments to meet the specific needs of the users.
A notable aspect of the operation is the care provided to domestic pets. More than fifty animals are housed in the facility under the supervision of the Abrazo Animal shelter and the Federation of Animal Shelters of the Community of Madrid. This service includes veterinary triage and designated areas to ensure animal welfare and reduce stress for their owners.
Despite the provision of basic needs, evacuees report emotional strain due to uncertainty regarding the status of their properties and a lack of unified information. To mitigate this impact, rest areas and children's play zones have been set up, offering workshops and cultural activities for displaced minors.