Spain has declared a national emergency in parts of the Madrid region and Avila province as multiple wildfires continue to spread amid extreme heat and dry conditions.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced the emergency on Friday as fires intensified in the municipalities of Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the Community of Madrid, and Burgohondo in Avila, part of the Castilla y León region.
According to the Interior Ministry, the declaration was prompted by the simultaneous spread of several wildfires, adverse weather conditions and the need to coordinate extensive firefighting resources across different levels of government.
Authorities also cited the need for preventive evacuations, the threat to residential areas and the risk of the fires spreading beyond regional boundaries.
Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been placed in operational command of firefighting and emergency response efforts.
The Madrid regional government described the situation as “critical,” saying three major wildfires remain active and are yet to be brought under control.
More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from the municipalities of Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa and Aldea del Fresno.