Wildfire spreads in Lugo’s Pantón parish
Ferreira de Pantón blaze surpasses 150 hectares, smoke hampers firefighting
A wildfire broke out in the Pombeiro parish of Pantón, Lugo, and has already consumed more than 150 hectares. The fire, known as the Ferreira de Pantón blaze, is moving toward the nearby village of Lomís, leading the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs to keep a preventive Level 2 alert in place.
The thick smoke generated by the fire is visible across Lugo and into Ourense, reducing visibility to near‑zero and grounding aerial firefighting units. A thermal inversion—warm air trapped above cooler, denser air in the valleys—has prevented the smoke from dispersing, worsening conditions and limiting wind. Because of the hazardous smoke layer, the Tabuyo Fire Brigade from León withdrew from the operation.
Some residents near Lomís have refused evacuation, citing concerns about smoke inhalation rather than direct fire danger. One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation, was treated at Monforte Hospital and released later that night. No fatalities have been reported.
Authorities activated Situation 2 (Level 2 alert) shortly after the fire’s start due to its proximity to Lomís. Emergency crews continue to contain the perimeter while monitoring roads and rail lines for possible closures. Officials advise against non‑essential travel and urge the public to follow safety advisories.
Meteorologist Carlos Otero of Meteogalicia explained that a recent anticyclone over Galicia, combined with little wind, has produced a temperature inversion. In this situation, cold air settles in valleys while warm air remains aloft, acting as a “plug” that traps smoke and hampers atmospheric circulation. The inversion will gradually dissipate as the sun warms the valley floors, but the process is slow in shaded, steep terrain.
The fire’s rapid spread, adverse weather, and limited aerial support keep the situation precarious, with authorities maintaining heightened alert status and focusing on containment and public safety.
