Karten. Satellitendaten und -bilder zeigen, wie der Wind die Brände in Ávila und Madrid verwandelte.

Satellite maps and aerial images reveal how wind transformed wildfires in Ávila and Madrid into one of the largest blazes in Spain this year. Over 63,000 hectares have been burned since the fires began, with more than 35,000 hectares being forested land. The fire started in Burgohondo, Ávila, and spread rapidly due to strong winds, eventually merging with another blaze in the Sierra Oeste region of Madrid near the San Juan reservoir. These two fires combined to cover over 45,000 hectares in Ávila and nearly 19,000 hectares in Madrid, making them among the most destructive wildfires recorded in the country so far. The evolution of these fires was heavily influenced by weather conditions. On Friday, July 22, winds from the southwest pushed the flames eastward, causing the fire to expand quickly through dense forests. By Saturday, the direction of the fire changed dramatically as the wind shifted, forcing the blaze to move toward the south-west. This shift led to the evacuation of dozens of villages and threatened the valley of the Tiétar. The change in wind direction was particularly notable in the Navaluenga area, where initial fires originated. Data from Open Meteo, using information from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, showed that the wind pattern rotated clockwise during the night, altering the path of the fire and increasing the area affected. The intensity of the wind played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the fire. Wind speeds reached levels uncommon for the region, especially between noon and evening on Friday, when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius and humidity was low. These extreme conditions created ideal conditions for the fire to spread rapidly. According to satellite measurements taken between Thursday night and Friday night, the size of the fire doubled, growing from 7,000 to over 14,000 hectares. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds made the situation extremely dangerous for both firefighters and nearby communities. The terrain and vegetation also contributed significantly to the scale of the disaster. The area affected by the fires is largely covered by forests and shrubland, with 53 percent of the burned land classified as woodland. An analysis by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) and the CORINE Land Cover mapping system confirmed that over 35,000 hectares of the total burned area were forested. The density of vegetation allowed the fire to consume large amounts of biomass in a short period, exacerbating its impact on the environment and local ecosystems. As the fire continued to spread, concerns grew about the long-term effects on the region’s biodiversity and water resources. The smoke from the fires has already reached the city of Madrid, affecting air quality and prompting health advisories. In response, authorities declared a national emergency, citing the need for additional resources and coordination between regional and federal agencies. Local governments in Madrid have requested state assistance, highlighting the lack of sufficient firefighting equipment and personnel to manage such large-scale incidents effectively. Residents in the surrounding areas have expressed fear and frustration, noting that despite repeated calls for better preparedness, the infrastructure and support systems remain inadequate. Many families have been evacuated, and some have yet to return to their homes. The emotional toll on communities has been profound, with many describing the experience as reminiscent of past disasters that have left lasting scars on the landscape and the people who live there. As the sun sets over the smoldering hills, the sky remains tinged with ash, a grim reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by climate-related emergencies.