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Castilla y León Prosecutors Open Inquiry Into Mañueco and Environment Chief Over August Wildfire Response

The move follows a complaint by Bierzo Aire Limpio alleging failures to prevent or properly respond to fires across several León districts.

Overview

  • The regional prosecutor’s office notified the association that it has opened preliminary investigative proceedings, a step to gather evidence that does not amount to charges.
  • President Alfonso Fernández Mañueco and Environment Minister Juan Carlos Suárez‑Quiñones are under investigation over the handling of August 2025 fires in Bierzo, Laciana, Cabrera, Omaña, Valderería, Maragatería and Valduerna.
  • The complaint alleges possible offenses including prevarication by omission, environmental crimes and failure to render aid, citing what it calls inaction by the regional administration.
  • Bierzo Aire Limpio reports thousands of hectares burned, damage to Natura 2000 protected areas and three deaths, and argues officials ignored technical warnings of extreme fire risk.
  • The regional government defends its actions, cites post‑2022 structural and investment changes, notes similar past complaints were archived, and says it will cooperate with prosecutors.