Spain declares state of emergency as Madrid wildfires force 10,000 to flee

Spain’s Interior Ministry declared a national emergency late on Thursday, 23 July 2026 for the Community of Madrid and the province of Ávila after regional authorities requested the highest level of civil protection support.

The measure places the emergency under central government coordination, with the Military Emergency Unit (UME) taking a leading operational role alongside regional firefighters, emergency crews and other agencies. It is one of the most serious emergency responses available during major natural disasters in Spain.

The decision followed the rapid spread of several fires around Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias in Madrid, while another major blaze continued to threaten Burgohondo in Ávila. Strong winds and extremely dry conditions have made containment efforts especially difficult.

Thousands forced to flee

The largest evacuations have taken place in southwest Madrid, where entire neighbourhoods, residential developments and care facilities have been cleared as flames advanced towards populated areas.

Emergency shelters have been opened for displaced residents, while several roads remain closed to allow firefighting operations to continue safely. Authorities have repeatedly urged people not to travel into affected areas and to follow evacuation instructions immediately if ordered to leave.

In Ávila, around 1,500 people were evacuated from El Tiemblo, particularly from rural tourism accommodation and residential areas threatened by the fire. Several nearby municipalities have also experienced confinement orders as crews work to prevent further spread.

Firefighters face difficult conditions

Despite intensive overnight efforts, officials said several of the fires remained uncontrolled on Friday 24, with shifting winds continuing to hamper firefighting operations.

Hundreds of emergency personnel, supported by aircraft and military resources, remain deployed across the affected regions. Authorities warned that changing weather conditions could still alter the direction and intensity of the fires, meaning the situation remains highly unpredictable.

The latest crisis comes during one of Spain’s most destructive wildfire seasons in recent years, with burned land across the country already far exceeding figures recorded at the same stage last year.