Key facts
- Over 70,000 people have been evacuated due to wildfires across Spain.
- A severe heatwave is forecast to bring temperatures up to 40C, worsening fire conditions.
- The Madrid region has been particularly affected, with over 56,500 evacuations.
- Affected areas have been declared 'disaster zones' by the Prime Minister.
- Approximately 77,000 hectares have been impacted by the fires.
Spain is currently battling a series of severe wildfires that have been active for a week, forcing the evacuation of over 70,000 people and threatening numerous communities. The situation is compounded by an impending heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C, significantly increasing the risk of fire spread and hindering firefighting operations.
Madrid's regional leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, described the situation as "a hell of a situation" and "the biggest natural catastrophe in the history of Spain," with flames turning affected areas into a "war zone." Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the challenging days ahead but expressed optimism about progress, declaring affected areas as "disaster zones." He also emphasized the worsening climate emergency and the need for unity in combating it, urging regional governments to avoid climate denial.
In the Madrid region alone, more than 56,500 people have been evacuated, with an additional 27,797 ordered to remain in their homes. Evacuations have also occurred in Ávila, Toledo, and Valencia. While some residents are beginning to return as the situation improves, the fires remain active and uncontrolled in some areas, with efforts focused on surveillance and cooling.
Approximately 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres) have been affected nationwide. The wildfire in the Ávila area is reportedly the largest in Spain's recent history. Meanwhile, a lockdown order was lifted for one town in Valencia after a separate fire broke out.