Spain declares national emergency as wildfires force 10,000 evacuations in Madrid and Ávila

Multiple forest fires erupted on 23‑24 July 2026 across the Madrid region (Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Almorox) and in Burgohondo, Ávila. The blazes have burned thousands of hectares, closed five regional highways (including the M‑507 and M‑501), and prompted the evacuation of more than 10 000 residents from villages such as Villa del Prado, Aldea del Fresno and El Tiemblo. Spain’s interior minister declared a national emergency in the affected provinces, placing the response under the military emergency unit (UME). The central government requested assistance from the European Union, receiving fixed‑wing firefighting aircraft from Greece. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez labelled the situation “dramatic” and urged the public to follow authorities’ instructions. The fire in Burgohondo devastated the Valle de Iruelas natural reserve, home to a major black‑vulture colony, and destroyed tourism infrastructure. Over 270 firefighters, civil‑guard units and emergency personnel have been deployed, with additional road‑monitoring teams to manage traffic and public transport alternatives such as commuter trains.