NASA Madrid Deep Space Complex Evacuated Amid Wildfires in Spain

Massive wildfires raging in the western part of the Community of Madrid forced the evacuation of more than 60,000 residents and the full evacuation of the NASA Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC) near Robledo de Chavela. The flames entered the complex, prompting the Guardia Civil to remove all staff—about 90 workers—and halting all deep‑space communications from the site. NASA shifted the affected missions to its other two Deep Space Network stations in Goldstone, California, and Canberra, Australia, while damage assessments are pending.

The fire front also spread to nearby French regions, prompting the evacuation of over 110,000 people on the Cap‑Ferret peninsula and a military response ordered by President Emmanuel Macron. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a state of emergency, doubled the deployment of troops to aid civil‑protective forces, and warned that multiple fronts remain uncontrolled. No fatalities have been reported, but authorities continue to monitor the situation as the blazes consume thousands of hectares across Spain and France.