The Government will extend the declaration of 'seriously affected area' by the fires of the last months to 14 provinces
The Spanish government has announced plans to expand the declaration of 'gravely affected area' by emergency protection civil status beyond the wildfires currently devastating tens of thousands of hectares in Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo. The executive is working on a royal decree that would grant this status to other major forest fires across the country over the past four months, affecting 14 provinces. This includes areas impacted by fires in Madrid, Ávila, Toledo, Castellón (La Vall d’Uixó), and Guadalajara (La Mierla). The new decree aims to cover numerous municipalities affected since March 31, when the previous procedure was activated for aid under the agreement from February 10. Over 75,000 people have been evacuated in the last week alone. In 2026, more than 170,000 hectares have burned, compared to an average of 120,000 during the summer season in the past decade. As of now, 32 large forest fires have occurred, with the most tragic being the fire in Los Gallardos (Almería), where 13 people lost their lives.
Spain’s largest wildfires in history, spanning regions including Ávila, Madrid, and Castellón, have entered a critical phase as authorities brace for an impending heatwave. The fires, which began earlier this month, have already consumed over 77,000 hectares, with the blaze near Burgohondo in Ávila alone reaching nearly 50,000 hectares, a record since records began. This has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and prompted the government to declare a national emergency. As of Tuesday, efforts to contain the flames show some progress, but officials warn that the situation remains precarious due to worsening weather conditions. The fire in Ávila started on Wednesday, July 22, reportedly caused by heavy agricultural machinery used illegally during the season. By Thursday, July 23, another fire broke out in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Madrid, after a vehicle caught fire along the M-501 highway. These two blazes merged quickly, expanding rapidly under the influence of wind. On Friday, the Spanish government declared a state of emergency in both regions, marking one of the most severe wildfire crises in recent memory. By Saturday, the fires had grown uncontrollable, spreading northward toward San Martín de Valdeiglesias and threatening the San Juan reservoir area. The fire destroyed the entire La Ardilla Roja campsite, reducing its structures to ashes. Meanwhile, in Castellón, a new fire erupted in the Vall d’Uixó region, burning approximately 8,500 hectares and forcing the evacuation of around 10,000 people. Although some residents were allowed to return home on Monday night, local officials warned that the fire remained highly active, complicated further by rising temperatures and increased wind speeds. Despite these challenges, there have been signs of improvement. Overnight operations focused on containing the spread of the fire in Madrid and Ávila, successfully preventing it from entering the town of Valdemaqueda. The minister of the Environment, Fernando Grande Marlaska, described the situation as “reasonably positive,” though he cautioned that upcoming days would be particularly difficult due to the anticipated heatwave beginning on Wednesday. The government has deployed extensive resources, including 44 aerial and ground units, to manage the crisis. In response to the escalating situation, the Spanish government plans to expand the declaration of “gravely affected areas” to include 14 provinces impacted by recent wildfires. This move aims to facilitate access to aid programs for individuals, businesses, and local administrations affected by the disasters. So far this year, more than 170,000 hectares have burned, surpassing the average for the past decade and making 2026 one of the worst years for wildfires in Spain. The scale of destruction has led to widespread concern among environmental experts and policymakers. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for urgent action against climate change, warning that future summers will become increasingly dangerous. He also assured the public that the government would support recovery efforts once the immediate threat subsides. Meanwhile, the military has taken charge of coordinating firefighting operations through advanced command posts established in key locations such as Navalcarnero, near Madrid. These centers serve as hubs for monitoring fire progression and implementing strategies to suppress the blazes effectively. According to military officials, combating large-scale wildfires requires an integrated approach involving water, personnel, and strategic planning rather than relying solely on traditional methods. As the fourth heatwave of the summer approaches, the outlook remains uncertain. While some progress has been made in stabilizing the perimeter of the fires, the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds poses significant risks. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely, preparing for potential flare-ups that could undermine current containment efforts. With millions of hectares already lost and countless lives disrupted, the focus now shifts toward managing the aftermath and ensuring long-term resilience against future threats.
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