Huesca wildfire evacuates 16 municipalities and threatens San Juan de la Peña: 'If it burns, the symbol of Aragon's origin would be lost'

San Juan de la Peña

The San Juan de la Peña monastery complex, a cornerstone of Aragonese history and a symbol of the region's origins, faced an existential threat from the encroaching wildfire. The monastery, divided into two parts—an 11th-century structure built into a mountain and a later Baroque temple from the 17th century—was surrounded by flames due to a sudden wind shift. This precarious situation necessitated the urgent intervention of emergency services, including the Military Unit of Emergencies (UME), to safeguard the site.

The UME's efforts were not limited to fire suppression; they also undertook the critical task of evacuating invaluable historical artifacts. This included the attire of the Count of Aranda, a prominent 18th-century political figure, and, more significantly, the skeletal remains of eight medieval Aragonese kings, whose tombs are located within the monastery. The potential loss of these relics and the monastery's artistic heritage was described by historians as the potential destruction of 'the symbol of the origin of Aragon.'

Jorge Azcón

Aragon's regional president, Jorge Azcón, characterized the night as 'especially complicated' due to the fire's intensity and proximity to the monastery. He emphasized the historical significance of the site for the Autonomous Community of Aragon, noting that the number of resources deployed to combat this particular fire might be 'historic.' Azcón's statements underscore the high stakes involved, not just in terms of environmental damage but also the profound cultural and historical implications for the region.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Azcón expressed a cautious optimism, aligning with the UME chief's assessment that containment efforts were progressing. However, he maintained a vigilant stance, acknowledging that the fire's evolution remained unpredictable and that personnel were still actively defending the monastery complex. His focus remained on the collective effort and the importance of preserving Aragon's heritage.

UME

The Military Unit of Emergencies (UME) played a pivotal role in the firefighting efforts and the protection of cultural heritage. General Javier Marcos, head of the UME, provided a measured assessment, stating that no fire front was 'outside of extinction capacity' and that additional resources were not immediately required. He expressed confidence that a forecasted drop in temperatures and anticipated rainfall would assist the ground crews.

Marcos highlighted the critical nature of the operations around San Juan de la Peña, detailing the UME's involvement in the emergency evacuation of artifacts and remains. He acknowledged the ongoing threat, stating, 'I don't trust the evolution of the fire, and that's why we still have personnel there, defending both monasteries.' This statement reflects the UME's dual mission: combating the immediate threat of the fire while also mitigating the long-term cultural losses.