Spain declares national emergency as wildfires force 20,000 to flee

Spain has declared a national state of emergency after a series of devastating wildfires swept across areas surrounding the capital, Madrid, forcing the evacuation of more than 20,000 people as firefighters battle to contain the fast-moving blazes.

The emergency was declared on Friday (July 24) for Madrid and the neighbouring province of Ávila, marking the first time in Spain's history that a nationwide emergency has been declared solely due to wildfires.

According to government and local authorities, the fires initially broke out in the San Martín and Villa del Prado areas before rapidly spreading across nearly 50 kilometres amid strong winds, engulfing vast stretches of land and pushing south-west beyond firefighters' control.

Thousands of firefighters have been working around the clock to contain the flames, but powerful winds and adverse weather conditions have continued to hamper firefighting efforts. Authorities have since deployed additional personnel, heavy equipment and aerial resources to strengthen the response.

German media reports said more than 20,000 residents from wildfire-threatened communities around Madrid have been evacuated to emergency shelters. With accommodation under severe strain, many evacuees have been forced to spend the night in schools, sports halls and temporary shelters.

Describing the situation as "extremely serious", Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government had requested four firefighting aircraft through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Greece has already agreed to send two aircraft to assist the operation.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said hundreds of firefighters remain engaged in an intensive battle against the flames, though strong winds continue to complicate containment efforts. He added that the emergency declaration would enable the government to mobilise additional funding, personnel and equipment, while Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) has also joined rescue and firefighting operations.

Meanwhile, several Bangladeshis living in Spain said the wildfires have significantly reduced tourist arrivals, severely affecting restaurants and businesses run by the Bangladeshi community. No Bangladeshi casualties have been reported so far.