Spain: The Spanish government has declared a national emergency after multiple wildfires spread near Madrid and in the neighboring province of Ávila, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people as firefighters battled to contain the blazes.
Why Was a National Emergency Declared?
Spain’s Interior Ministry said the emergency declaration was prompted by the simultaneous outbreak of several wildfires, adverse weather conditions, and the need to coordinate extensive resources from multiple public authorities.
The regional government of Madrid requested national assistance, describing the situation as one of “extreme gravity.” Authorities warned that active fires in Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, and Almorox could exceed current firefighting capacity, while a wildfire in Burgohondo, Ávila, was expected to threaten the Madrid region due to changing weather conditions.
Under Spain’s National Civil Protection System, the declaration places the emergency response under the direct authority of the Interior Minister, marking the first time the country has issued a national emergency specifically for wildfires.
How Is Spain Responding to the Fires?
According to regional authorities, more than 10,000 residents have been evacuated from Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa, and Aldea del Fresno.
More than 270 emergency personnel, 40 ground units, and contingents from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) have been deployed to combat the fires.
Spain is experiencing one of its most destructive wildfire seasons in recent years. According to official figures, more than 100,000 hectares have burned across the country so far in 2026, and 13 people have died, making it one of the deadliest wildfire seasons in decades.
Scientists have linked increasingly severe wildfire seasons across Spain and southern Europe to climate change, with abundant vegetation following heavy spring rainfall drying out under extreme summer temperatures and creating conditions for rapidly spreading fires.