The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has guaranteed an unprecedented reconstruction after accompanying the Kings to the reception point for evacuees in Villamanta. The fire, which is now the largest in regional history, has burned 23,000 hectares in the Sierra Oeste.
The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, delivered a message of firmness and hope after visiting the reception point for evacuees in Villamanta on Saturday, accompanied by the Kings of Spain. While emergency services continue to combat what is now the largest fire in the region's history — with 23,000 hectares burned in the Sierra Oeste on its fourth active day — the regional government has set in motion the machinery for reconstruction.
Ayuso wanted to convey confidence to the affected municipalities, recalling that the regional administration has extensive experience in managing recent crises. She particularly emphasised towns like Aldea del Fresno and Villamanta, which have been severely hit in the recent past. "We have a lot of experience in these difficulties; we did it during the DANA, which devastated ten towns; during Filomena and during the pandemic. In record time, we were able to rebuild bridges, roads, homes, and sports centres," she recalled.
In the face of what she describes as an "unprecedented catastrophe," the President has guaranteed that the recovery will also be "unprecedented", aiming for the towns to function again with high-quality public services. In a gesture of empathy towards the municipal leaders, she has called for support and encouragement for the mayors of the area, whom she described as "devastated and destroyed" as they are also direct victims of this dramatic situation.
The fire, which has now spread to the province of Toledo, was partially contained during the past night thanks to significant efforts that have prevented its rapid advance, particularly combating the flames' entry towards Cadalso de los Vidrios and San Martín de Valdeiglesias. While the emergency services save lives, the Community of Madrid is already assessing the material damage. The initial assessment reveals devastating figures that authorities expect will grow: 43 homes have been completely destroyed and 300 have severe damage.
To address this emergency, the Community of Madrid has organised a massive deployment structured across several fronts. The firefighting operation involves 300 firefighters and forest agents from the region, supported by 50 vehicles and 10 helicopters, with new reinforcements on the way. Regarding evacuation and shelter, with 55,000 residents affected, a system of 85 buses and 100 professionals has been set up, which has already evacuated 8,000 people. Currently, there are 19 reception points spread across 15 municipalities serving 2,400 displaced individuals, with 800 beds available. Additionally, there is ongoing monitoring in nursing homes.
In the health sector, although there are no serious injuries to report, 13 hospital transfers have occurred. The Madrid Health Service (Sermas) has treated over 10,000 people for respiratory issues due to poor air quality, leading to the maintenance of basic support ambulances in 10 municipalities and a specific action plan.
In parallel to controlling the fire, the regional government has activated an emergency plan to mitigate the economic and logistical consequences in the devastated areas. A comprehensive recovery plan has been designed to repair over 100 kilometres of regional roads damaged by the fire. Additionally, one million euros have been approved for affected farmers. These measures complement the declaration of a disaster zone announced by the central government.
Residents of the affected municipalities, such as Cadalso de los Vidrios, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Aldea del Fresno, and Villamanta, are beginning to glimpse a horizon of reconstruction. The President has insisted that "the towns will function again with high-quality public services" and has thanked the emergency services for their efforts. The coming hours will be crucial for the total containment of the fire, as authorities work against the clock to prevent the flames from advancing into new areas.
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