Smoke from the forest fire forces mask use in Leganés and southern Madrid

The smoke from the large forest fire in the western Sierra of Madrid has reached Leganés, Alcorcón, and Móstoles, with a strong smell of burning and eye irritation. The 112 emergency services recommend FFP2 masks for vulnerable populations and advise against outdoor sports.

The column of smoke from the forest fire that has been affecting the western Sierra of the Community of Madrid since July 24 has reached the southern area of the region during the early hours. Residents of Leganés, Alcorcón, and Móstoles have reported an intense smell of burning and discomfort such as eye and throat irritation, prompting authorities to activate health recommendations.

The fire, which originated from the merging of three hotspots on the border with Castilla-La Mancha, has forced the evacuation of over a thousand people, of whom 171 have been accommodated in Leganés, according to data from the Community of Madrid. During the night, firefighters managed to partially contain the flames thanks to a change in the wind, which shifted towards already burned areas, but the fire remains uncontrolled.

On the morning of July 25, the sky over Leganés and surrounding municipalities was overcast by a dense layer of smoke that reduced visibility to several kilometres. Sources from 112 have issued a warning specifically aimed at vulnerable populations — individuals with respiratory issues, the elderly, or children — to use FFP2 masks outdoors. For the rest of the population, the recommendation is to avoid outdoor sports while the smoke cloud persists.

The wind, which reached considerable gusts during the night, has been the main reason for the smoke column, visible from over 50 kilometres since Thursday afternoon, moving southward. It is expected that during the day, wind gusts will reach 40 km/h, which could keep the concentration of particles in the air at elevated levels.

Extinction services have worked intensively during the night to take advantage of more favourable weather conditions, but the fire remains active. The evolution of the fire will depend on the wind patterns in the coming hours. Meanwhile, residents in the southern area should remain alert to authorities' instructions.

The Community of Madrid has reiterated the importance of following health recommendations and has made accommodation resources available for those affected. In Leganés, the 171 evacuated individuals have been housed in municipal facilities set up for this purpose.