La Rioja activates emergency response for Villoslada forest fire

The Government of La Rioja has activated Level 1 of the Special Civil Protection Emergency Plan for Forest Fires following a blaze in Villoslada de Cameros, specifically in the La Irruz area. The activation signifies a need for a more coordinated and extensive response due to the potential for significant forest damage or risks to infrastructure and property.

Initial firefighting efforts included the Mike Sierra helicopter, two ground-based cargo planes, three forest fire units, three forest agents, and a bulldozer. High winds in the region have complicated extinction efforts.

In a separate effort to bolster regional safety, the regional government has also been conducting pilot training programs, such as the ‘Active Towns against Forest Fires’ initiative in Viniegra de Abajo. These programs aim to train residents in high-risk municipalities to identify local threats, develop municipal organization plans, and improve self-protection measures including evacuation and logistics during emergencies.