# Spain wildfires surge, July–August 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/catalonia-forest-fire-risk-2026 > Updated: 2026-08-21T18:40:52.000Z. Sources: 170. Developments: 7. The wildfire crisis in Spain has expanded significantly through August 2026. In the central regions of Ávila and the Community of Madrid, fires active since 22 July have scorched more than 170,000 hectares, destroyed 1,580 homes, and affected over 100,000 residents. The government classified these zones as catastrophic, offering up to €15,120 in aid for destroyed primary residences. However, the aid process has faced criticism for being slow and insufficient, while political debates have intensified regarding regional budgeting and a shortage of resources like hydro-aircraft. In the Valencian Community, the major forest fire in the Sierra Calderona region has now been stabilized. The blaze, which was triggered by a lightning strike near Segorbe and burned approximately 630 hectares—specifically 395 hectares in Segorbe and 235 hectares in Gátova—forced the preventive evacuation of about 1,000 residents from Gátova. Following the stabilization, emergency services have downgraded the alert level from Situation 2 to Situation 1 under the Special Forest Fire Plan (PEIF). The Military Emergencies Unit (UME) has been demobilized and coordination procedures for rescue services have been deactivated, though authorities maintain restrictions on access to the affected area and advise residents to remain indoors while monitoring continues. On a national scale, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) reports a severe season, with over 262,000 hectares burned across at least 43 large-scale fires since 1 January. In the province of Castellón, President Juanfran Pérez Llorca has extended a €67 million emergency fund to assist victims in municipalities including Tírig, Catí, Culla, Salzadella, Sierra de Engarcerán, and Albocácer with housing and employment needs. ## Claims - The Vall d'Uixó wildfire has burned approximately 6,500 hectares. (disputed by 17 sources) - The fire perimeter has reached about 48 kilometres. (disputed by 16 sources) - Regional Emergency Minister Juan Carlos Valderrama said the fire remains active but may be stabilised soon. (disputed by 12 sources) - The fire has affected approximately 630 hectares. (disputed by 11 sources) - The Vall d'Uixó wildfire burned approximately 4,300 hectares. (disputed by 9 sources) - The fire’s perimeter was about 40 kilometres. (disputed by 9 sources) - The fire has burned about 8,500 hectares. (disputed by 8 sources) - The fire perimeter has expanded to approximately 18 kilometers. (disputed by 7 sources) - The fire’s perimeter has grown to about 65–67 kilometres. (disputed by 6 sources) - The fire has burned approximately 7,200 hectares. (disputed by 5 sources) - Juan Carlos Valderrama said the fire remains uncontrolled and not stabilized. (disputed by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Sierra Calderona forest fire stabilized after burning 630 hectares A forest fire caused by lightning in Segorbe, Spain, has been stabilized after burning 630 hectares in the Sierra Calderona Natural Park and forcing the evacuation of 1,000 residents in Gátova. 59 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gtova-community-evacuated-due-to-forest-fire-in-valencia ### 2026-08-07: Spain's central wildfires scorch 170,000 ha, affect 1,600 families Wildfires in Ávila and Madrid burned over 170,000 ha, destroyed 1,580 homes and forced 100,000 evacuations; Spain declared the zones catastrophic and offered up to €15,120 per fully destroyed primary residence, 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-central-wildfires-scorch-170000-ha-affect-1600-families ### 2026-08-03: Vall d'Uixó Forest Fire Prompts Nationwide Emergency Response A forest fire in Vall d'Uixó, Spain, triggered evacuations and a coordinated response from national, regional and local agencies, firefighters, military units and volunteers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vall-duix-forest-fire-prompts-nationwide-emergency-response ### 2026-07-27: Spain declares catastrophic zones as Vall d'Uixó wildfires rage Spain declared 211 zones catastrophic after Vall d'Uixó fire burned ~7,200 ha, evacuated 16,000+ people; Sánchez visited the site, announced emergency decree, urged a State Climate Pact, and warned against clim 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-vall-duix-wildfire-triggers-emergency-decree-says-pm-pedro-snchez ### 2026-07-27: Vall d'Uixó wildfire burns 8,500 hectares, triggers mass evacuations The Vall d'Uixó fire in Castellón has burned ~8,500 ha, a 72 km perimeter, forced 80 000 evacuations/confinements, and prompted a presidential visit and aid pledges. 60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vall-duix-wildfire-in-castelln-burns-7200-hectares-forces-76000-evacuations ### 2026-07-24: Vall d'Uixó wildfire engulfs Castellón, over 6,500 hectares burned and 16,000 evacuated Vall d'Uixó fire in Castellón has burned ~6,500 ha, forced 16,000 evacuations, confined 64,000 residents, and is being tackled by 400+ firefighters and 25 aerial units. 91 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catalonia-forest-fire-stabilised-as-authorities-maintain-high-firerisk-alert ### 2026-07-05: Costa Brava forest fire forces 45,000 residents to stay home A forest fire in Les Gavarres near Costa Brava forced 45 000 residents to stay indoors, prompting a military aid request and the arrest of a suspected arson suspect. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-brava-forest-fire-forces-45000-residents-to-stay-home --- Cite as: Spain wildfires surge, July–August 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/catalonia-forest-fire-risk-2026