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La Mierla wildfire engulfs 30,000 ha in Guadalajara, Spain
A forest fire that broke out on 16 July near La Mierla in the Sierra Norte of Guadalajara has become the largest blaze of the year in Spain. By early July 2026 the fire had burned more than 26 000 ha, with later estimates reaching roughly 29 000–30 000 ha, and a fire front extending about 120 km.
Authorities have evacuated more than 1 200–1 300 residents from 34 municipalities and confined several others. Roughly 400 UME personnel, 72 ground units, about 30 aerial assets and additional civilian firefighters are battling the flames under difficult wind conditions and a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 °C. The fire threatens wildlife habitats, including protected species, and has jeopardised livestock, prompting local herders to move their animals to safer ground.
Regional president Emiliano García‑Page emphasized that protecting human life is the priority while also working to prevent the fire from spreading into the neighboring province of Soria. The autonomous government has pledged to cover 50 % of the post‑fire environmental recovery costs. The incident remains uncontrolled, with firefighting strategies shifting from defensive perimeter protection to direct attack on the fire’s head.