# Las Peñas de Riglos wildfire in Huesca > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/las-peas-de-riglos-wildfire-in-huesca > Updated: 2026-08-17T06:35:27.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 3. A major wildfire in the Las Peñas de Riglos forest in Huesca, Spain, has caused significant damage and casualties. The fire has impacted approximately 17,500 hectares, driven by intense heat and unpredictable winds, threatening areas near Jaca and the Monte Oroel region. During firefighting operations, a vehicle accident occurred when a truck carrying personnel from the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) overturned in a ravine near Atarés. One soldier, identified as a member of the Fourth Emergency Intervention Battalion (BIEM IV), died in the incident. Three other occupants sustained various injuries, including one individual who required helicopter evacuation and one reported to be in serious condition. Aragon President Jorge Azcón and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have expressed condolences to the victim’s family and the UME. Local authorities in Jaca have organized a minute of silence to honor the fallen soldier. Emergency response efforts have involved approximately 1,000 personnel and dozens of aerial resources, including assistance from 100 French firefighters. The situation has necessitated the evacuation of over 1,000 people across 19 municipalities. The fire has also threatened the historic San Juan de la Peña monastery, prompting emergency teams to secure historical artifacts and medieval sites. While some perimeters showed signs of stabilization, officials have maintained caution due to the scale of the deployment, described as the largest firefighting effort in Aragon’s history. Additionally, police have detained a 28-year-old man suspected of arson in connection with the fire. ## Claims - A member of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) died in a traffic accident on Sunday. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Three other military personnel were injured in the same accident. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The accident occurred when the truck the military personnel were traveling in overturned in the Atarés ravine. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The wildfire has affected approximately 17,500 hectares. (corroborated by 9 sources) - More than 1,000 emergency personnel are involved in the operation. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Aragon President Jorge Azcón expressed condolences to the UME. (corroborated by 7 sources) - French firefighters are assisting in the firefighting efforts. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The fire forced the evacuation of 19 municipalities and over 1,000 people. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Spanish soldier dies in Aragon wildfire response A Spanish soldier died and three others were injured when a fire truck fell into a ravine while fighting massive wildfires in Aragon, Spain, which have burned 17,500 hectares and forced 1,000 evacuations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-soldier-dies-in-aragon-wildfire-response ### 2026-08-16: UME soldier dies in vehicle accident during Huesca wildfire response A UME soldier died and three others were injured in a vehicle accident while fighting a 17,500-hectare wildfire in Huesca, Spain. The fire has forced the evacuation of over 1,000 people. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ume-soldier-dies-in-truck-accident-during-las-peas-de-riglos-wildfire ### 2026-08-14: Huesca wildfire: UME soldier killed in vehicle accident A UME soldier died in a vehicle accident while fighting the Las Peñas de Riglos wildfire in Huesca, which has burned over 16,600 hectares and threatens the area near Jaca. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-recuenco-forest-fire-perimeterized-after-80-hectares-burned --- Cite as: Las Peñas de Riglos wildfire in Huesca. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/las-peas-de-riglos-wildfire-in-huesca