Several Firefighter units, supported by aerial resources, have been working intensively since shortly before 7:00 PM to extinguish a forest fire that broke out this afternoon in Zarzalejo, specifically in the Canto de la Rana area, near the quarries.
The flames have necessitated the evacuation of the municipal pool, whose facilities are being used for water collection by the helicopters deployed to the scene. Initial reports indicate the existence of other hotspots heading towards El Escorial.
Civil Guard and Forest Firefighter personnel have also arrived at the affected area. This incident coincides with the closure of access to Zarzalejo due to works on the bridge over the train tracks, at kilometer 3.900 of the M-533, which has led to traffic being diverted via the Puerto de la Cruz Verde since Monday.
This area, located between Zarzalejo, El Escorial, and Fresnedillas de la Oliva, has been the scene of several fires during summers in recent years, most of them intentionally caused.
