The Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, has visited the Advanced Command Post in Navalcarnero and has estimated that 77,000 hectares have burned, the majority in Ávila and Madrid.
The Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, stated this Sunday that the forest fire affecting Ávila, the Community of Madrid and Toledo is "the largest in the recent history of our country." She made this statement after visiting the Advanced Command Post in Navalcarnero, where she received updated information on the active hotspots.
According to the data provided by the minister, the flames have already devastated nearly 77,000 hectares in total. Of these, approximately 50,000 correspond to the province of Ávila, more than 25,000 to the Community of Madrid, and over 2,000 to the province of Toledo. "The situation remains complex," Aagesen acknowledged, who did not rule out new evacuations in the coming hours.
During her appearance, the third vice president attacked climate change deniers. When asked about the statements made by the leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, who accused the government of "climate fanaticism," Aagesen responded: "Every argument against the scientific evidence of climate change only serves to fuel the fires."
"Governments with deniers are a danger to the population," the minister concluded.
In her speech, Aagesen emphasized that "the national priority cannot be to create first or second-class citizens in this country. What we need to do is make the national priority to fight against climate change." This was a direct reference to the agreements between PP and Vox in communities like Andalusia, where the far-right has imposed its narrative.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the minister wanted to highlight the collaboration between administrations and various emergency services. "Acting united in the face of an emergency is essential," she noted, referring to the deployment in the area.
In the Community of Madrid, the fire has already affected more than 25,000 hectares, especially in the southwestern area, near the Sierra de Gredos. Residents of towns such as Navalcarnero, Villamanta, or Aldea del Fresno have been following the evolution of the flames with concern, which in some areas have forced evacuations.
Looking ahead to the coming hours, the weather forecasts are not favourable. High temperatures, low humidity, and wind are hindering firefighting efforts. Firefighters and the Military Emergency Unit (UME) continue to work on the ground to contain the advance of the fire.
The fire, which began several days ago in the province of Ávila, has been exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, which experts directly link to climate change. Aagesen insisted that "the scientific evidence is clear" and called for "not to feed narratives that deny reality."
Authorities recommend that the public stay informed through official channels and follow the instructions of emergency services. In case of evacuation, reception points are set up in nearby municipalities.
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