Spain declared a national emergency on Thursday night as multiple wildfires threatened communities near Madrid and in the neighbouring province of Ávila, forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate while firefighters battled to contain the rapidly spreading blazes.
The Interior Ministry said the emergency declaration was prompted by the simultaneous outbreak of several fires, unfavourable weather conditions and the need to coordinate extensive resources across multiple public agencies, making firefighting and civil protection operations significantly more challenging.
Spain and much of southern Europe face increasingly severe wildfire seasons that scientists have linked to climate change. Experts say abundant vegetation growth following unusually heavy spring rainfall has dried out in extreme summer heat, creating fuel for rapidly spreading fires.
Thousands Evacuated as Firefighting Efforts Intensify
The regional government of Madrid requested assistance, describing the situation as one of “extreme gravity”. It said active fires in Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias and Almorox, in neighbouring Castile-La Mancha, had the potential to advance beyond current extinguishing capacity. It also warned that the wildfire in Burgohondo, Avila, could reach the Madrid region in the coming hours due to weather conditions.
More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa and Aldea del Fresno, according to the regional government.
Climate Change Fuelling Longer, Deadlier Fire Seasons
Under Spain’s National Civil Protection System law, the declaration places the emergency under the direct authority of the interior minister, who is responsible for coordinating the response. Authorities said it was the first such declaration linked to a wildfire.
More than 270 emergency personnel and 40 ground units have been deployed in the affected areas, alongside several Military Emergency Unit(UME) contingents.
More than 100,000 hectares have burned in Spain so far this year, roughly equivalent to the country’s average annual burned area over the past decade. Thirteen people have died, making 2026 one of the deadliest wildfire seasons in decades.
(With inputs from Reuters)
