Spain allows thousands evacuated by wildfires to return as fires continue

Spanish authorities have begun easing evacuation measures in the Madrid region, allowing approximately 8,500 residents to return to their homes as wildfires persist. The Ministry of the Interior announced the immediate lifting of evacuation orders for Valdemaqueda and Robledo de Chavela, two towns significantly impacted by the fires in recent days.

Francisco Martín, the government delegate in Madrid, confirmed that these residents can now go back. However, authorities are maintaining evacuation orders for areas where the risk remains high. Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that residential areas in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Pelayos de la Presa will remain under evacuation orders while firefighting efforts continue. Martín indicated that fewer than 1,000 people are still evacuated in these specific zones.

The decision to relax some measures follows the earlier authorization for residents to return to their homes in the province of Ávila, where the wildfire, described by the government as the largest in recent Spanish history, originated last week. Despite the gradual return of some populations, officials are urging continued prudence.

Spain is experiencing persistent high temperatures across much of the country, which could potentially fuel new fires or reignite existing ones. President Pedro Sánchez acknowledged that the fire's progression is "favorable" but emphasized the need for caution amid the ongoing heatwave.