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Spain Declares National Emergency as Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations Near Madrid. Spain has declared a national emergency as multiple wildfires continue to rage near Madrid and in Ávila, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people and overwhelming regional resources. The unprecedented measure places the Interior Ministry in charge of coordinating the emergency response under the National Civil Protection System as authorities battle several blazes. The worst-affected areas include Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa and Aldea del Fresno, while another major fire burning in Burgohondo, Ávila, threatens to spread into the Madrid region. More than 270 emergency personnel, 40 ground units and Spain's Military Emergency Unit have been deployed to tackle the fires, with the government also requesting assistance to the EU. Authorities said extreme heat, dry conditions and abundant vegetation left by heavy spring rainfall have fuelled the rapid spread of the flames, creating exceptionally dangerous fire behaviour. Spain has already seen more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) burned by wildfires this year, with 13 people killed, making 2026 one of the country's deadliest fire seasons in decades. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged residents to follow evacuation orders and praised emergency crews, while officials warned that weather conditions could continue to hamper containment efforts.
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