Wildfires west of Madrid, Spain, have spread beyond control after three separate fires merged into one. Spanish authorities declared a state of emergency, while Spain and France evacuated over 140,000 people combined to respond to the major wildfire crisis.
On 25 July 2026, international news agencies reported that wildfires west of Madrid, Spain, have intensified continuously after three fires merged into a large blaze. This prompted the Spanish government to declare a national emergency and order the evacuation of at least 30,000 people.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Madrid region, stated that this is the most severe wildfire in Madrid's history. She explained that the area is facing a perfect storm due to high temperatures, persistent strong winds, and multiple fire fronts merging together.
Carlos Novillo, head of the Madrid regional emergency management unit, said the wildfires are currently too intense for firefighters to control directly in some areas, forcing a shift to defensive measures aimed at minimizing damage instead of direct extinguishing.
Reports indicated that the Spanish government deployed emergency military units to contain the flames, focusing on protecting the area near the town of El Escorial. At the same time, officials are monitoring another wildfire in Ávila province, concerned that the large fire in Burgohondo might merge with the Madrid fire, worsening the situation. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said authorities are doing everything possible to prevent the two fires from connecting.
Authorities revealed that over 60,000 people in the Madrid region have been affected so far, including 30,000 evacuated from their homes and another 20,000 ordered to stay indoors for safety. Officials warned that the number of affected people could rise, as strong winds carry embers several kilometers, enabling the fire to spread rapidly across areas.