National Emergency Declared as Wildfires Continue to Threaten Madrid and Ávila

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has declared a National Emergency in the Community of Madrid and the province of Ávila as firefighters continue battling major wildfires that have forced large-scale evacuations and threatened several communities.

The declaration allows the Ministry of the Interior to take overall command of the emergency response, coordinating national, regional and local resources under the Civil Protection system. The decision was taken because of the simultaneous wildfires, the direct threat to populated areas and forecasts of strong winds that could further worsen conditions.

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The most serious fires are affecting the areas around Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the Community of Madrid, and Burgohondo in Ávila. Thousands of residents have either been evacuated or instructed to remain indoors, while roads have been closed and emergency crews continue working to protect homes and critical infrastructure.

The Ministry of the Interior said the declaration ensures that all available national resources, including the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), can be deployed under a single operational command as efforts continue to contain the fires. Authorities are urging residents to follow official instructions, avoid affected areas and remain alert as high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds continue to hamper firefighting operations.

Photo: Ministry of the Interior