Spain declares national emergency as wildfires near Madrid, Avila force thousands to evacuate

The Spanish government declared a national emergency late Thursday after a series of wildfires erupted near Madrid and in the neighboring province of Avila, compelling the evacuation of over 10,000 people. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes, which have been intensified by adverse weather conditions.

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The Spanish government on Thursday night declared a national emergency after a series of wildfires threatened communities near Madrid and in the neighbouring province of Avila, forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate as firefighters struggled to contain the blazes.

The Interior Ministry explained the decision was driven by the simultaneous outbreak of several fires, challenging weather patterns, and the necessity to mobilize significant resources from various public administrations. This complex situation requires direct coordination under the interior minister, a move authorities noted was unprecedented for a wildfire emergency in Spain.

Spain, along with much of southern Europe, is experiencing increasingly severe wildfire seasons, which scientists attribute to climate change. Experts suggest that abundant vegetation growth from unusually heavy spring rains has dried out under extreme summer heat, creating highly flammable conditions that fuel rapid fire spread. The regional government of Madrid described the situation as one of "extreme gravity," warning that fires in Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias, and Almorox could potentially spread beyond current containment capabilities.

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The Spanish Interior Ministry said the decision was taken because of the simultaneous outbreak of several fires, adverse weather conditions and the need to mobilise extensive resources from different public administrations, increasing the complexity of firefighting and civil protection efforts.

The wildfire in Burgohondo, Avila, also poses a threat to the Madrid region due to prevailing weather conditions. Over 10,000 people have been evacuated from areas including Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa, and Aldea del Fresno. More than 270 emergency personnel and 40 ground units, supported by Military Emergency Unit contingents, are deployed in the affected regions. So far this year, over 100,000 hectares have burned in Spain, nearly matching the country's average annual burned area over the past decade, and 13 fatalities have been recorded, marking 2026 as one of the deadliest wildfire seasons in decades.

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It also warned that the wildfire in Burgohondo, Avila, could reach the Madrid region in the coming hours due to weather conditions.