The Community of Madrid has launched a website to channel citizen and business donations to those affected by the fires impacting 17 municipalities in the Sierra Oeste. The Governing Council has approved a package of urgent and medium-term actions for the recovery of the area.
The Community of Madrid has set up a website to centralise donations from individuals and businesses aimed at those affected by the fires ravaging the Sierra Oeste. The portal, still under construction, will provide a unique and secure channel for making charitable contributions via bank transfer, direct debit, credit card, or Bizum.
This initiative is part of the measures approved by the Governing Council in an extraordinary meeting to address the emergency and plan for the medium and long-term recovery of the affected municipalities. According to sources from the regional government, the platform has been developed in collaboration with CaixaBank, which is covering the costs of the technological infrastructure and payment methods, meaning it incurs no expense for public funds.
In addition to the digital route, the bank has deployed its mobile offices, known as Ofibus, in the affected towns. These vehicles will allow for in-person assistance to residents who are still evacuated or who have had their access to conventional banking services interrupted.
The fires have affected 17 municipalities in the Sierra Oeste, home to over 56,000 people. The impacted towns are Aldea del Fresno, Cadalso de los Vidrios, Cenicientos, Chapinería, Colmenar del Arroyo, El Escorial —with the evacuation of the hamlet of Peralejo—, Fresnedillas de la Oliva, Navalagamella, Navas del Rey, Pelayos de la Presa, Robledo de Chavela, Rozas de Puerto Real, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Santa María de la Alameda, Valdemaqueda, Villa del Prado, and Zarzalejo.
The Minister of Presidency, Justice, and Local Administration, in statements reported by the regional agency, emphasised that the portal has been designed to ensure transparency and traceability of funds. "We want every euro to reach those who need it," he stated. Donations will be used to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and materials for the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure.
Residents in the area can check the status of roads and access restrictions through the official channels of the Community of Madrid. The emergency operation continues to work to control active hotspots, while social assistance teams have already begun assessing material and personal damages.
For those wishing to contribute from outside the region, the website will also be accessible. The Community of Madrid advises donors to verify the authenticity of the site before making any contributions to avoid potential fraud. The portal will be updated with information on priority needs as the situation evolves.
This measure adds to other urgent actions, such as the establishment of temporary shelters and the enhancement of psychological support services for those affected. The regional government has announced that a reconstruction plan with direct aid to individuals and businesses will be presented in the coming weeks.
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