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EnvironmentSpain declares national emergency over wildfires near Madrid and in Avila
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On July 23, 2026, the Spanish government declared a national emergency due to a series of wildfires threatening communities near Madrid and in the neighboring province of Avila. The declaration, the first of its kind linked to a wildfire, was made under the National Civil Protection System law, placing the response under the Interior Minister's direct authority. More than 10,000 people were evacuated from towns including Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa, and Aldea del Fresno. Over 270 emergency personnel, 40 ground units, and Military Emergency Unit contingents were deployed. The regional government of Madrid described the situation as one of 'extreme gravity,' warning that fires could advance beyond current extinguishing capacity. So far in 2026, more than 100,000 hectares have burned in Spain, roughly the country's average annual burned area over the past decade, and 13 people have died, making it one of the deadliest wildfire seasons in decades. Scientists link the increasingly severe wildfire seasons to climate change, with heavy spring rainfall followed by extreme summer heat creating abundant dry fuel.
Source report
Spain and much of southern Europe face increasingly severe wildfire seasons that scientists have linked to climate change.
Published - July 24, 2026 12:58 pm IST – Madrid
Reuters
The Spanish government on Thursday (July 23, 2026) night declared a national emergency after a series of wildfires threatened communities near Madrid and in the neighbouring province of Avila, forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate as firefighters struggled to contain the blazes.
The Interior Ministry said the decision was taken because of:
- The simultaneous outbreak of several fires
- Adverse weather conditions
- The need to mobilise extensive resources from different public administrations
These factors increased the complexity of firefighting and civil protection efforts.
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.
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.
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.
Source
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Spain Declares National Emergency Over Wildfires Near Madrid and in Avila