Spain Declares National Emergency as Wildfires Rage Near Madrid and Avila – Over 11,500 Evacuated

Spain has declared a national state of emergency as a series of devastating wildfires, propelled by strong winds and soaring temperatures, continue to ravage the country. Thousands have been evacuated, and the flames now threaten a unique nature reserve.

The fires, which have hit the regions of Madrid and Avila, have forced the evacuation of approximately 11,500 people. In the autonomous community of Madrid alone, over 10,000 residents have been ordered to leave their homes due to three active blazes in the municipalities of Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias, and Almorox. The fire in Avila, in the Burgohondo area, has led to the evacuation of 1,500 people from a tourist zone and the El Tiemblo residential complex, with flames advancing at a staggering pace of up to three kilometers in just forty minutes.

Beyond evacuations, authorities have also imposed movement restrictions in several municipalities to ensure public safety. The most alarming development is the fire's advance into the Valle de Iruelas nature reserve, a protected area of unique biodiversity and home to one of Europe's largest colonies of black vultures.

With the declaration of a national emergency, the coordination of response efforts has been centralized. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has taken command of all operations and resources, working across state, regional, and local levels in both affected communities. The military's Emergency Military Unit has been placed in charge of the operational management of the disaster. Grande-Marlaska arrived at the forward command post in Cenicientos on Thursday night to personally monitor the evolving situation.

The decision to escalate to a national emergency came as multiple fires broke out simultaneously under extremely adverse weather conditions. The complexity of the situation was further compounded by the need to coordinate numerous resources from various agencies. The fires have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupting telecommunications for up to 40 municipalities in the Madrid region. While repair crews are on standby, work has been hampered by safety concerns in the affected areas.

These fires are currently among the most serious active blazes in Spain. A massive fire in La Miérla, Guadalajara, which had destroyed 32,000 hectares, has subsided enough to allow some residents to return home. However, the deadliest fire of the season remains in Los Gallardos, Almeria, where 13 people perished. While Catalonia is experiencing a temporary reprieve, the national situation remains deeply worrying. The total area burned in Spain has more than doubled in just two weeks and is now approaching 120,000 hectares since the start of the year.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com