Spain wildfires prompt evacuations, PM Sánchez seeks climate pact

Severe wildfires have swept central Spain, especially around Madrid and Valencia, forcing the evacuation of around 75,000 residents. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that “difficult hours” lie ahead and called for a national agreement to address the climate‑change emergency driving the fires. He urged all levels of government to act proportionately to the scale of the disaster.

King Felipe VI visited temporary shelters and expressed sorrow over the loss of “invaluable natural heritage.” The fires have burned more than 150,000 ha this year – six times the area burnt in the same period last year – and have prompted a national state of emergency. International assistance arrived from Portugal, Italy, Greece and Turkey, while one fatality was reported.

Officials noted that overnight weather helped contain the blaze, but conditions remain critical and the situation will be closely monitored in the coming hours.