Murcia deploys UME over Espuña wildfire and calls for stronger coordination

The wildfire that broke out in the Sierra de Espuña, in the interior of the province of Murcia, has forced the activation of an emergency operation and put the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) on alert, due to the risk that strong gusts of wind could complicate efforts to contain it. The regional president, Fernando López Miras, said that the contingent will remain on standby in case a rapid intervention is needed should the situation deteriorate.

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For his part, the Spanish government’s delegate in Murcia, Francisco Lucas, confirmed that the deployment of the UME has already been authorised and that several units are heading towards the affected area. “Resources are on their way,” he said, while stressing the need to step up institutional coordination and calling for the immediate involvement of the Emergency Coordination Centre.

The fire broke out at 11:42 in the area around Llano de las Cabras and forced the mobilisation of firefighters from the Murcia Region Firefighting Consortium, who were dispatched from the stations in Lorca and Alhama-Totana. Since then, crews have been working to contain a blaze that has remained active since midday.

The Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires (Infomur Plan) has been activated at level 2, which applies when there is a risk of serious impact on people or property. This level allows the authorities to request extraordinary resources and, if necessary, declare an emergency of national interest if the evolution of the fire requires it.

According to the UME, several units from the 3rd Intervention Battalion have left the Bétera base in Valencia to reinforce the operation in Murcia. The authorities are maintaining constant monitoring of a fire whose development continues to be shaped by adverse weather conditions.