Spain: Firefighters gain ground against major wildfires amid national emergency

Spanish firefighters have achieved positive results overnight in their battle against devastating wildfires, which have led the government to declare a national state of emergency. The fires have raged across regions including Madrid, Ávila, Toledo, and Valencia.

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A fairly positive night has passed thanks to the enormous efforts of all public emergency services.

"A fairly positive night has passed thanks to the enormous efforts of all public emergency services," said Interior Minister F. G. Marlaska in an interview with Spanish public television. He acknowledged that the situation remains critical but expressed cautious optimism, especially regarding efforts north of the San Juan reservoir, west of Madrid.

"Today we can feel a little calmer, especially considering the weather conditions we expect in the coming hours," Marlaska added. Meteorologists have warned that rising temperatures, low humidity, and stronger winds from Wednesday onwards could complicate efforts to control the flames.

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We are going through critical hours.

The regional government chief for Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, stated that the wildfire situation is "gradually improving." She noted that authorities are becoming more optimistic and beginning to plan for the safe return of residents to several affected municipalities. So far, 63,000 people have been evacuated, with nearly half of them in the Madrid area. However, over 4,000 people in the Toledo region were allowed to return home on Monday.

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Today we can feel a little calmer, especially considering the weather conditions we expect in the coming hours.

These recent fires have burned 77,000 hectares, bringing Spain's total burned area this year to 175,000 hectares. This figure is six times larger than the area burned during the same period last year, highlighting the severity of the current fire season.

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the wildfire situation is gradually improving.