Over 50,000 affected in Spain by two major wildfires

Two large wildfires are raging across Spain, impacting over 50,000 individuals and forcing mass evacuations. In the southwest of Madrid, a significant wildfire has led to the evacuation or confinement of more than 40,000 people across numerous towns. This blaze has already destroyed over 12,000 hectares, with regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso confirming 20,000 evacuations. The fire, originating in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias, is advancing northward, fueled by strong winds. Authorities issued a cellular alert for mandatory evacuations in several municipalities. The primary challenge remains the wind, with gusts up to 60 kilometers per hour, causing embers to travel long distances and ignite new fires beyond containment lines. Another similar wildfire in the neighboring province of Ávila has affected an additional 10,000 people, burning at least 6,000 hectares. The abrupt terrain, dense forest, and adverse atmospheric conditions, including winds of 50 kilometers per hour and high temperatures, are hindering control efforts. This fire has already devastated the Valle de Iruelas Nature Reserve, home to a significant population of black vultures, and now threatens the Valle del Tiétar. The government has declared a national emergency and requested assistance through the European Civil Protection Mechanism. A total of 1,800 personnel, including Civil Protection, security forces, and the Military Emergencies Unit, are deployed, supported by ground vehicles, planes, and helicopters from various regions and European countries. Authorities have detained one person and are investigating another for alleged negligence with heavy machinery, which was prohibited, as the suspected cause of the Ávila fire.

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The very significant number of evacuated and confined people could increase if the fire continues to advance.