Spanish wildfires burn over 172,000 hectares, six times last year's total

Spain is grappling with an unprecedented wildfire season, with over 172,000 hectares scorched by flames between January 1 and July 27. This figure represents a dramatic increase, nearly six times the area affected during the same period in 2025, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

The central provinces of Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo are bearing the brunt of the devastation. At least 77,000 hectares have burned across these interconnected regions. The fire in Ávila is particularly catastrophic, marking the worst on record for Spain, with over 50,000 hectares reduced to ash. Madrid has also suffered significant damage, with an additional 25,000 hectares affected, while Toledo saw 2,000 hectares burn.

These central fires are part of a larger trend, with 35 major forest fires, defined as those exceeding 500 hectares, recorded this year. This contrasts sharply with the eleven major fires reported during the same period in 2025. Other regions are also battling blazes, including Castellón in the east, where 7,000 hectares are currently affected.

The situation has been dire in recent weeks, with the province of Almería in the southeast experiencing severe fires that claimed thirteen lives and destroyed 7,000 hectares. Just days prior, the Sierra Norte region of Guadalajara in the center lost 32,000 hectares of forest to another major fire.