Wildfire Rages in Huesca, Threatens Historic Monastery
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Wildfire Rages in Huesca, Threatens Historic Monastery
- A major wildfire in Spain's northeastern Aragon region has forced the evacuation of 855 people and burned over 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) as of Friday, August 14, 2026.
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Authorities have taken precautionary measures by removing valuable artifacts and the remains of three 11th-century Aragonese kings from the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña.
A significant wildfire in Spain’s Huesca province, known as the Las Peñas de Riglos wildfire, has intensified, leading to extensive evacuations and threatening a historic monastery. The blaze, which started on Monday, August 10, 2026, has consumed over 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) and necessitated the evacuation of 855 residents from 16 towns and villages.
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the fire approached the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, a medieval complex built beneath a large rock formation and considered a cradle of the Kingdom of Aragon. While the monastery itself had not sustained damage by Friday morning, burning debris nearby prompted an urgent rescue operation. Members of Spain’s military and heritage officials worked together to remove valuable artifacts, including paintings, relics, an 18th-century ceremonial suit, and the remains of three 11th-century Aragonese kings—Ramiro I, Sancho Ramírez, and Pedro I—for safekeeping at the Huesca Museum.
More than 500 firefighters and 35 aircraft have been deployed to combat the blaze, with requests for additional aircraft sent to France. The rapid spread of the fire, particularly after a sudden change in wind direction, has complicated firefighting efforts. This wildfire is occurring during an exceptionally hot and dry summer in Spain, with June and July 2026 being the hottest on record since 1961.
The affected towns include Santa María de la Peña, Triste, La Peña Estación, Yeste, Botaya, Alastuey, Larués, Bailo, Villalangua, Salinas de Jaca, Ena, Centenero, Arbués, Santa Cruz de la Serós, Binacua, Osia, and a local campsite. A 28-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in connection with allegedly starting the fire, with investigators finding construction materials at the ignition point.