Following the extinguishing of a fire that threatened the Centro del Lobo area, investigators established that the blaze originated from a small illegal bonfire. Environmental officers and the Civil Guard coordinated the operation that led to the detention of a French national who admitted to lighting the bonfire and triggering the incident.
Early in the morning, a forest fire was detected by the Villarejo lookout in Zamora, in the pine woods near the town of Robledo de Sanabria. At 11:38 a.m., less than a kilometer from the Center, a rapid response was mounted from the Rosinos de la Requejada base, deploying three aircraft — a helicopter and two seaplanes — along with four environmental agents, a helicopter crew, a fire truck and a bulldozer. The fire, which touched only the lower layers of pine, remained contained to roughly 600 square meters and was declared under control by 1:00 a.m., after the initial attack aircraft were withdrawn and a ground crew continued surveillance to ensure containment.
Once the surrounding area was secured, investigators carried out routine procedures to determine the source, which was determined to be a small illegal bonfire set the previous day, either during daylight or at night. Using fire in bonfires and other open flames is strictly prohibited in mountainous areas at all times of the year, but especially during periods of high danger when meteorological alerts are active. The incident occurred within a 400-meter safety strip and raised concerns about increased risk during the hot summer season, which amplifies potential damage and liability. There is a clear case of gross negligence, and the act could carry significant economic responsibilities for the offender, given the resources deployed to prevent a larger wildfire.
Investigation teams from the environmental agents service and the Civil Guard worked in close coordination. During the inquiries, an environmental agent identified a French national who later acknowledged lighting the bonfire in question. He was detained by the Civil Guard on a camping trip, questioned on site, and brought before a court to assess potential criminal liability. In every case, the responsible party faces the costs incurred by the firefighting deployment, a forceful reminder of the decisive role played by rapid response in preventing widespread forest fire. A fire that seems extinguished on the surface can remain active underground, smoldering and capable of reigniting if heat returns or fuel becomes available again.
Residents and visitors are reminded that free camping is prohibited in the autonomous community unless expressly permitted. Additionally, all fires in woodlands and open areas remain banned under current warnings, and all fire-use permits, including those for pyrotechnics, are suspended. The operation also prohibits the use of machinery within the forest and the surrounding 400-meter zone, particularly when dust, embers, or sparks could trigger a new fire. Public safety guidelines call for strict adherence to restrictions during high-risk periods to protect both natural habitats and nearby communities.