Rural tourism networks and local communities in the Sierra de la Culebra and the Tera Valley have joined forces to address a crisis that swept through their landscapes and livelihoods. This coalition is preparing a formal request for accountability, seeking compensation for lost profits and disrupted economic activity that followed a severe wildfire. The initiative is led by a regional organizer who serves as a practicing attorney, with connections to the Pontevedra city administration and the State Attorney’s Office. The aim is to hold the relevant authorities in Castilla y León accountable for the observed damage to the regional tourism economy and to secure redress for operators whose businesses rely on the health of the local environment and the trust of visitors who come to experience the natural beauty of the area.
The central claim centers on alleged negligence by environmental authorities, described as gross negligence in the handling of firefighting efforts, and a secondary line of argument directs attention toward the regional government body responsible for land management. The organizer, also a usufruct holder of certain hunting rights, argues that the future of rural tourism in these areas is closely tied to responsible stewardship of the landscape. On June 15, observers noted that a blaze began with a sudden ignition, spreading rapidly across terrain typical of scrub and oak woodland. Reports from the day describe an initial firefighting response that included two crews, a motor pump, and two helicopters, forming the first line of defense against a fire that soon intensified and threatened broader regions.
The fire intensified in the reserve on Thursday night and persisted into Friday, moving toward villages such as Villardeciervos and beyond, with vehicles and personnel on the move across affected zones. Portuguese firefighting teams were visibly coordinating at the scene, with guidance and tactical decisions increasingly centralized as the day progressed. The joint effort underscored a cross-border dimension to the incident, as teams worked to prevent the fire from traversing natural barriers and reaching neighboring territories. The focus during these hours was rapid containment and the safeguarding of communities and habitats that support both local residents and tourism activity tied to the parklands and protected areas nearby.
The organizer highlights a significant role for local residents who assisted frontline responders, sharing information, navigating difficult terrain, and helping to shield sensitive sites. In some instances, residents offered practical solutions and on-the-ground coordination that enhanced the effectiveness of firefighting operations. The eventual shift in wind conditions revived the fire’s momentum in the afternoon, challenging the containment lines and threatening a return to vital corridors within the Tera Valley. As the landscape faced renewed strain, measures were taken to adjust barriers, protect key infrastructure, and stabilize affected ecosystems. The episode underscored the delicate balance between preserving natural heritage and sustaining the rural economy that depends on a steady flow of visitors and travelers who seek authentic outdoor experiences in this corner of the country.