Nearly 60,000 people were evacuated on Saturday after intense wildfires advanced close to Madrid, with about 30,000 moved from Ávila and 29,488 from areas around the capital. More than 28,000 people were reported unable to leave their homes due to the blazes, including roughly 20,262 in greater Madrid and 8,000 in Ávila. The government declared a "state of emergency of national significance" — the first such declaration in Spain for forest fires — and said improved weather offered a chance to gain control while emphasising that protecting lives remains the priority.
Nearly 60,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Encircle Madrid; State Of Emergency Declared
Plumes of smoke from the wildfire rise above the hills. The wildfire in Burgohondo has now entered its fourth day this Saturday. (is associated with: «More than 70,000 people evacuated due to wildfires in Spain») Mateo Lanzuela/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
Nearly 60,000 people were evacuated on Saturday after severe wildfires spread close to Madrid, Spain's capital. The fast-moving blazes forced large-scale evacuations, left thousands unable to leave their homes and prompted an unprecedented national emergency declaration.
Evacuations and Local Impact
Authorities in the province of Ávila, northwest of Madrid, ordered roughly 30,000 residents to evacuate, Francisco Martín Aguirre, the Spanish government's prefect for Madrid, told journalists. An additional 29,488 people were relocated from areas surrounding the capital, bringing the total number of evacuees to nearly 60,000.
The Interior Ministry reported that more than 28,000 people were unable to leave their homes because of the fires: about 20,262 in the greater Madrid area and roughly 8,000 in Ávila. Emergency centres and local services were activated to shelter and support displaced residents.
State Of Emergency And Government Response
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government declared a "state of emergency of national significance" on Friday covering Greater Madrid and Ávila. Public broadcaster RTVE said this is the first time Spain has issued such a declaration in response to forest fires. The declaration mobilises national resources and expands coordination powers for the response.
By Saturday morning the Interior Ministry reported that weather conditions had improved overnight, easing firefighting efforts. Speaking from the emergency services' command centre, Sánchez said the improved conditions gave authorities a chance to bring the fires under control over the weekend, but he stressed the situation remained difficult and that protecting lives was the top priority.
Ongoing Efforts
Firefighters, emergency services and local officials continue to battle the blazes and assess damage. Authorities urged residents to follow official guidance, avoid affected areas, and be prepared for continued disruptions while crews work to contain the fires.
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