Wildfire forces evacuation of Madrid command post as 55,000 affected

The wildfire in western Madrid and Ávila has escalated dramatically, with over 55,000 people evacuated or confined across the region. The Puesto de Mando Avanzado (Advanced Command Post) in Cenicientos was itself evacuated on Saturday as flames approached, relocating to Navalcarnero. Source: abces; elespanol

Fire merges and state takes control

The fires in Ávila and Madrid are now expected to merge into a single massive blaze, with front lines only four kilometres apart. Source: abces The government has declared Situación Operativa 3, assuming unified command, and requested European assistance – aid from Greece and Italy is expected to arrive on Saturday. Source: elespanol; elconfidencial

Political tensions surface

President Pedro Sánchez and regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso visited the command post but appeared together only briefly, offering separate press conferences. Sánchez called for a “pacto de Estado” on wildfires, while Ayuso described the situation as “the worst fire in Madrid’s history.” Source: elespanol The evacuation of the command post occurred during a press briefing, prompting the delegate of the government to order an orderly withdrawal. Source: elespanol

Impact on communities

Eleven municipalities have been evacuated, including Cadalso de los Vidrios, Rozas de Puerto Real, and Cenicientos. The Hospital de Emergencias Enfermera Isabel Zendal has been activated with 241 beds and 12 ICU units. Source: elespanol; infobae Over 400 professionals and 50 ground vehicles, plus 12 aircraft, are deployed. Source: abces