Spain wildfires draw royal visit and emergency health response

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the evacuation centre in Villamanta, praising the "coordination exemplary" among administrations and urging that "united we can face any risk" as thousands remain displaced by fires in Madrid, Ávila and Toledo. The monarch highlighted the support received through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, noting that it is "working" to combat the blaze.

Dr. José Luis Franqueza, head of the SAMER emergency medical team, described the challenges faced by evacuees, many arriving "with whatever they were wearing and not knowing if they would survive the return". He explained that the first priority was to provide medication to chronic patients and to address mental‑health needs, with two disaster‑specialist psychologists deployed. The team also treated infections, wounds, hypertension crises and diabetic decompensations while arranging shelter for the most vulnerable.

Both officials emphasized solidarity with the affected communities and the need for continued coordination among local, regional and European authorities.