The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, stated on Wednesday that the next 12 hours will be crucial to control the large wildfires affecting Madrid and Ávila. The situation is improving, but the new heatwave and wind keep the alert in place.
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, visited the advanced command post in Navalcarnero, in the Community of Madrid, this morning to supervise the development of the wildfires that have been ravaging central Spain for days. In an institutional statement, the head of the Executive noted that the next 12 hours will be "decisive" for achieving definitive control of the flames.
Sánchez described the work of the emergency services as "extraordinary" and stated that the evolution of the fires "continues to be favourable", although he urged for "maximum caution, maximum prudence, and all possible precautions". The Government has taken charge of the operations in the provinces of Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo, where a national emergency has been declared.
According to the data provided by the president, more than 85,000 hectares have been burned in central Spain. In Ávila alone, the fire has devastated over 50,000 hectares, with a perimeter of 180 kilometres, making it the worst fire in Spain's history. In the Community of Madrid, the flames have also affected several areas, although the exact hectares burned in the region have not been specified.
"Right now, efforts are focused on containing the fire, among other things to prevent any re-ignition of fires in areas we thought were already consolidated or stable," Sánchez clarified.
The president warned that the wind, with gusts expected between 30 and 35 kilometres per hour, and the high temperatures due to a new heatwave are factors that concern the firefighting teams. These weather conditions could complicate operations in the coming hours.
Across Spain, Sánchez reminded that ten fires remain active, with varying intensity and scale. Among them, the one in the province of Castellón stands out, which remains uncontrolled and has already burned 9,300 hectares, with a perimeter of 81 kilometres. More than 1,200 professionals are working against this fire, and the addition of over 30 aerial resources is expected during the day. Atmospheric conditions and the mountainous terrain hinder efforts, and 10,000 residents remain evacuated for safety.
For the residents of the Community of Madrid, the situation remains one of maximum alert. Although the evolution is favourable, authorities recommend maintaining caution and following the instructions of emergency services. The municipalities closest to the affected areas, such as Navalcarnero, have been key points in coordinating firefighting resources.
The new heatwave sweeping the peninsula increases the risk of re-ignitions, so teams are working against the clock to consolidate already controlled areas. Sánchez insisted that "the evolution continues to be favourable", but urged not to let their guard down.
The next hours will be decisive to determine whether the fire can be considered controlled or if, on the contrary, adverse weather conditions cause a new flare-up of the flames. Meanwhile, emergency services continue to be deployed on the ground, aiming to protect the population and minimise environmental damage.
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