Wildfire near Madrid forces confinement of towns, cuts highway A-1

A wildfire in Lozoyuela, north of Madrid, has triggered the activation of Situación Operativa 2 of the regional forest fire plan and forced the confinement of three population centers. The fire started around 16:00 on July 16, 2026, and rapidly spread due to terrain conditions Source: elmundoes.

Confinements and evacuations

The Comunidad de Madrid ordered the confinement of Buitrago de Lozoya and the pedanías of Cinco Villas and Manjirón (Puentes Viejas) via an ES-Alert mobile warning Source: lavanguardia. In addition, the urbanización San Lázaro and several isolated houses were evacuated preventively Source: lavanguardia. Residents were told to stay indoors with doors and windows closed Source: elespanol.

Road closures and emergency response

The A-1 motorway was cut at kilometer 69 in the northbound direction for about an hour, and the exit 69 remains closed Source: lavanguardia. Secondary roads M-126 and M-135 are also blocked Source: elmundoes. Firefighting resources include 28 terrestrial units and 9 aerial means according to later reports, though earlier figures cited 10 terrestrial and 6 aerial Source: elmundoes, infobae. The Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) has joined the operation Source: elmundoes. A advanced command post was set up at the Lozoyuela fire station, and a crisis committee met at ASEM112 Source: lavanguardia.

Broader impact

Power cuts have been reported in the area, and the Guardia Civil has deployed patrols and mobile offices Source: lavanguardia, elmundoes. President Isabel Díaz Ayuso called for "coordination, responsibility and teamwork" Source: lavanguardia. The fire continues to burn and authorities urge avoiding travel to the affected zone Source: infobae.