The Community of Madrid has initiated the staggered reopening of the roads affected by the fires, starting with the M-507, once the de-escalation of the emergency has begun and safety levels have been restored in several areas.
After the M-507, restrictions will be lifted on the rest of the roads damaged by the Sierra Oeste fire as safety conditions allow, according to the regional Executive in a statement.
Overall, the fire has impacted nearly 180 kilometers of the regional road network, with damaged sections on 13 roads: M-501, M-507, M-510, M-512, M-521, M-531, M-533, M-537, M-539, M-540, M-541, M-855, and M-957. In parallel to the reopening to traffic, the recovery and reconstruction phase of the affected road network has already begun.
The technicians from the General Directorate of Roads are conducting inspections on the damaged sections to assess the extent of the damage and define the necessary interventions. These tasks include the repair of pavements and asphalts, the replacement of signage, the adjustment of safety barriers, structures, and drainage systems, as well as the review of the affected trees.
The actions taken during the fire have allowed for this Tuesday to be "optimistic" after almost a week since the national emergency was declared due to the fire. The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has announced that about 20,000 people will be able to return to their homes this afternoon following the lifting of evacuations in eight municipalities of the Community of Madrid.