Pelayos de la Presa Mayor Antonio Sin confirmed that approximately 73 percent of the municipal territory was burned and around 30 homes were destroyed in a devastating wildfire that struck the Alberche region one month ago.
The municipality in the Community of Madrid is gradually regaining normality as emergency teams clear property debris, remove fallen timber, and process administrative support for affected residents.
The mayor confirmed that the return to school for local children is fully guaranteed and will take place normally at the start of the academic year.
A rapid defense operation by local firefighters and Spain's Military Emergency Unit created a crucial firebreak during the blaze, successfully protecting the municipal complex housing the school, sports facilities, and the local health clinic.
Pelayos de la Presa is located in the Sierra Oeste region of Madrid along the Alberche River basin. The Military Emergency Unit, known as UME, is a specialized branch of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for providing disaster relief across Spain.
Damage and cleanup operations
Sin explained that while residents who escaped direct damage are attempting to resume normal routines, the visual impact of the scorched mountain landscape has caused deep emotional distress across the community. He noted that the disaster destroyed both primary residences and long-held secondary homes.
Municipal crews are currently assisting property owners by clearing dead timber, removing burnt vehicles, and clearing destroyed sheds, gardens, and household remains to prepare sites for recovery.
Basic utility services have been largely restored across the town following swift work by regional water company Canal de Isabel II and power distributor Iberdrola. However, Sin criticized an unnamed telecommunications company for acting late and inefficiently during the restoration effort.
Canal de Isabel II manages water supply and sanitation throughout the Community of Madrid, while Iberdrola operates major electrical distribution networks across Spain. Sin emphasized that a small municipal council could not have managed the crisis without direct financial and technical backing from the regional government of Madrid.
Tree felling and security measures
Addressing community concerns over tree felling, Sin clarified that no trees are currently being cut down in public woodlands. Felling operations are restricted exclusively to dead or scorched trees on private plots that pose an immediate risk of falling onto homes or people.
Sin stated that although removing trees is painful for the town, ensuring human safety remains the primary obligation of local authorities.
During the initial evacuation as the fire spread, thieves attempted to break into evacuated homes while the town was burning. Law enforcement officers from the Civil Guard intervened to prevent the burglaries.
Local controversy and social media abuse
The mayor also condemned recent online harassment directed at a local restaurant owner following an official visit by Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The business owner had approached regional leaders to express the desperation facing local commercial sectors.
Sin described the subsequent online abuse directed at the hospitality owner as shameful and repugnant, expressing anger that the disaster was being used for political confrontation.
Recovery timelines and community solidarity
Looking ahead, Sin expressed concern that public and financial assistance might diminish once media attention fades. He noted that while town clearing operations outside damaged houses should be completed within two to three months, full structural rebuilding across the town could extend until mid-2027, with environmental recovery taking several years.
Despite the destruction, Sin praised the extraordinary solidarity shown by local residents, municipal staff, local police, firefighters, and emergency crews who risked their physical safety during the crisis. He highlighted volunteer initiatives, including a group of local girls who organized food supplies for animals affected by the fire.
