Over 63,000 affected by raging forest fires in Spain; national emergency declared

Uncontrolled forest fires in Spain have forced the evacuation or confinement of approximately 50,000 people in various towns across Madrid, with an additional 13,000 affected in the neighboring province of Ávila. The combined area burned exceeds 18,000 hectares, prompting the central government to declare a national emergency and seek assistance from European partners.

In the southwest of Madrid, authorities reported that the significant number of displaced and confined individuals could rise if the fire, which has already devastated over 12,000 hectares, continues its advance. Regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso specified that 20,000 people were temporarily evacuated. Evacuations were ordered for several locations, including a campsite in El Escorial, which is in the path of the flames.

Despite the critical situation, meteorological forecasts predict less wind and heat in the coming hours, potentially aiding ground efforts against the fire. The blaze, which originated in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias, is advancing northward, fueled by strong wind gusts. Authorities issued alerts for mandatory evacuations.

In Ávila, security forces have detained one individual and are investigating another as suspects in the fire that has scorched at least 6,000 hectares, reportedly due to serious negligence involving prohibited heavy machinery. The rugged terrain and adverse atmospheric conditions are hindering control efforts in the province. The fire has already ravaged the Valle de Iruelas Natural Reserve, home to one of Europe's most significant black vulture populations, and now threatens the Valle del Tiétar. Concerns are rising about the potential for the Madrid and Ávila fires to merge, further complicating control efforts.

The central government has taken command of operations in Madrid and Ávila, deploying 1,800 personnel from Civil Protection and security forces. The European Civil Protection Mechanism has also been activated to request additional resources from EU countries. The European Commission announced the mobilization of four Canadair aircraft from Greece and Italy to assist in combating the fires. So far this year, the total area burned in Spain exceeds 114,000 hectares, five times more than in the same period of 2025, according to the Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen. Another estimate places the carbonized area at 133,323 hectares since January.