Pradela wildfire escalates in León, prompting higher danger level
The forest fire that started near Pradela in Villafranca del Bierzo on 24 June after a lightning strike has re‑ignited. Authorities raised its rating to Index of Potential Gravity 2 (IGR‑2) because the new focus threatens nearby villages, requiring emergency protection measures. The Junta de Castilla y León reported that 34 firefighting units were deployed during the day, later reduced to 16 as the situation improved. Early observations suggest the new blaze may have been intentionally set, as it originated outside the previously secured perimeter. While the Pradela fire worsened, other fires in the province—Vega de Valcarce and San Vicente—remain stabilized at IGR‑1. Emergency teams continue aerial and ground operations to contain the flames and prevent further reproductions, with weather forecasts indicating cooler temperatures and higher humidity overnight.
"El fuego de Pradela se ha 'reactivado' con un nuevo foco muy próximo al perímetro estabilizado", reported the regional authorities.