Wildfire forces over 40,000 evacuated or confined in Madrid region

A massive wildfire in Spain's Madrid region has forced the evacuation or confinement of over 40,000 residents, with the number expected to rise if the blaze continues its advance. The fire, which has already scorched more than 15,000 hectares in the southwestern part of the autonomous community, is spreading northward, fueled by strong winds.

Officials ordered the evacuation of Robledo de Chavela and Fresnedillas de la Oliva, and the confinement of Navalagamella, using mobile phone alerts. The delegate of the central government, Francisco Martín, stated that further evacuations or confinements are possible in the coming hours. The primary challenge for the firefighting teams remains the powerful wind, with gusts up to 40 kilometers per hour, causing embers to travel long distances and jump containment lines.

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More than 40,000 inhabitants of the Madrid region are evacuated or confined due to the large fire affecting the southwest of that autonomous community, and the figure could increase if the fire continues to advance.

Meanwhile, a fire in the neighboring province of Ávila, which borders Madrid, is still under surveillance and has not yet entered the Madrid Community. In response to the escalating situation, the European Commission announced the deployment of four Canadair firefighting aircraft, two from Greece and two from Italy, following a request for assistance from Spain.

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The main obstacle for the extinguishing teams remains the strong wind, with gusts of up to 40 kilometers per hour, which causes embers to travel long distances and make the fire jump over the containment lines.