El Abuelo tree survives Avila wildfire after local effort

El Abuelo, a centuries-old chestnut tree in Spain's Avila province, survived a recent wildfire after residents of nearby El Tiemblo helped defend the ancient woodland where it stands.

The tree, estimated to be more than 500 years old, is the best-known tree in an ancient chestnut grove inside the Valle de Iruelas Nature Reserve. It is about 25 metres high and has a trunk circumference of more than 15 metres.

Residents said they brought shovels, rakes, vehicles and heavy machinery as firefighters focused on protecting built-up areas. Javier Garcia, a retired laboratory worker, said he spent four days helping defend the grove and estimated that about 120 local residents joined the effort.

The flames stopped short of the chestnut forest, and El Abuelo emerged unscathed, though nearby pine woodland was scorched. Crews were still working Thursday to prevent flare-ups.

The wildfire began on July 23 near Burgohondo in Avila province and spread through dry vegetation, driven by strong winds. It forced evacuations and confinement orders across several communities, including El Tiemblo, before being brought under control eight days later.

The recent wildfires destroyed around 77,000 hectares of land and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people before being contained this week.