Spain battles multiple major wildfires as emergency declared and more than 10,000 evacuated

Government takes control of the response in Madrid and Ávila as firefighters continue battling several large blazes across Spain and Europe sends extra aircraft to help

Spain is facing one of its most serious wildfire emergencies of the summer, with thousands of people forced from their homes, roads closed across several regions and emergency services working around the clock to bring a number of major fires under control.

The most critical situation is in the Community of Madrid and neighbouring Ávila province, where the Government has declared a national emergency after three fast-moving wildfires continued burning out of control overnight. More than 10,000 people have now been evacuated from towns affected by the fires.

The declaration means the central Government has taken over the coordination of the emergency response in Madrid and Ávila, with all available resources being brought together to tackle the crisis.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as "dramatic" and urged people to stay away from affected areas and follow official advice.

"We're facing a dramatic situation, not only in different provinces across Spain but also in neighbouring countries. Please take great care, follow the instructions and avoid unnecessary risks. The Government has deployed every available resource and will stand by people throughout the emergency and during the recovery."

He also thanked the emergency services, including the BRIF forest firefighters, the UME military emergency unit, the Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional, Protección Civil and all those working day and night to stop the spread of the flames.

Thousands evacuated as Madrid fires continue to spread

The fires at Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias remain the biggest concern in the region. Residents from Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa and Aldea del Fresno have all been evacuated as the fires continue to burn without being fully contained.

More than 270 firefighters and emergency personnel, supported by around 40 ground vehicles, remain on the front line.

Public transport has also become part of the emergency operation. Overnight, intercity buses were used to help evacuate around 5,000 residents, with vehicles remaining on standby should further evacuations become necessary.

Several care homes have also been affected. More than 430 elderly and disabled residents from five residential centres have been moved to alternative accommodation, sports halls or the homes of relatives. Another care home in Navas del Rey remained safely confined overnight under close monitoring.

Burgohondo blaze reaches protected nature reserve

In Ávila, the wildfire near Burgohondo continues to pose a major threat. Around 1,500 people have been evacuated while approximately 8,000 residents remain confined.

The fire spread at extraordinary speed on Thursday July 23, advancing around 30 kilometres in just 40 minutes before reaching the Valle de Iruelas Nature Reserve, home to one of Spain's most important colonies of black vultures. Parts of the protected area have already been devastated by the flames.

Across Castilla y León, nine wildfires remain active, with four considered particularly serious.

🇪🇸 España ha declarado una emergencia nacional en Madrid y otra región mientras un gran incendio forestal se propaga sin control.
Miles de personas enfrentan la evacuación mientras las llamas arrasan el área cerca de la capital. pic.twitter.com/oE6oQJGmo1

— Ernesto Madrid (@JErnestoMadrid) July 24, 2026

Europe sends aircraft as conditions remain dangerous

Spain has requested help through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, asking for at least four firefighting aircraft. Greece has already confirmed it will send two Canadair CL-415 water-bombing planes to assist.

Although the recent heatwave has officially ended, conditions remain highly favourable for wildfire growth.

Forecasters say temperatures have fallen across much of the country, but low humidity and strong winds continue to create a very high or extreme fire risk. In the areas affected by the Madrid fires, winds could still reach gusts of between 50 and 60 km/h on Friday, making firefighting efforts particularly difficult.

Some improvement is expected over the weekend as slightly cooler, more humid air arrives, although changing wind direction could continue to present challenges before conditions ease further on Sunday.

Incendio forestal en San Martín de Valdeiglesias, a la altura del km 57 de la M-501.

16 medios aéreos y terrestres de #BomberosCM, #BrigadasForestalesCM y #AgentesForestalesCM trabajan en la extinción.

Confinada por precaución la residencia de mayores López Rumayor.

Enviado… pic.twitter.com/HxpzhU7rlY

— 112 Comunidad de Madrid (@112cmadrid) July 23, 2026

Other fires across Spain

Emergency crews are also tackling several other significant wildfires around the country.

In the Region of Murcia, the wildfire at La Pinilla, in Fuente Álamo, was declared stabilised at 6.30am on Friday after burning approximately 228 hectares. Firefighters, environmental officers, the Guardia Civil and Policía Local remain at the scene to monitor the area and deal with any flare-ups.

In Teruel, firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze near La Cerollera, which has affected around 80 hectares, while in Huelva, crews have made enough progress at the El Cerro del Andévalo fire for aerial resources to be stood down, leaving ground teams to complete the operation.

The fires have also caused major disruption to travel. According to Spain's traffic authorities, at least 24 secondary roads remain closed because of the wildfires, including several in the Community of Madrid and many more in Guadalajara.

Image 1: Ministerio Defensa
Image 2:112 Madrid