Spain's wildfire crisis forces evacuations, burns over 120,000 hectares

Spain faces a severe wildfire crisis, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency as fires burn across Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, and Castilla y León. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) reports over 120,000 hectares have burned in 2026, making Spain the EU country with the most forest fire damage.

Major active fires

• La Mierla (Guadalajara): The largest fire of the year, having scorched around 32,000 hectares. Stabilization efforts continue, but thousands remain evacuated. Source: elconfidencial
• Burgohondo (Ávila): A virulent fire has consumed 9,000 hectares, destroying part of the Valle de Iruelas reserve and forcing 1,500 evacuations. Source: elmundoes
• Almorox (Toledo)/Madrid (Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias): Improved conditions allowed some return, but 890 hectares burned and some residents still displaced. Source: elconfidencial
• Brieva (Segovia): Over 3,000 hectares burned; now at level 0. Source: infobae
• Castropodame (León): Evacuations partially lifted as the fire improves. Source: elmundoes

Response and impact

The Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) has been deployed, and the DGT provides real-time road closure maps. Around 10,000 people have been affected in Madrid alone. The Valle de Iruelas, a key bird sanctuary, suffered severe damage.