Next 12 hours ‘decisive’ for wildfire near Madrid, says Spanish PM
Summary
A large wildfire near Madrid is at a critical stage as firefighters work to control it during extreme heat in southern Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the next 12 hours are crucial for managing the fire, which is the first in Spain to reach the highest emergency level. Similar fires in France and Spain have forced over 330,000 people to evacuate due to record-breaking heat and dry conditions caused by climate change.Key Facts
- The wildfire near Madrid is Spain’s largest on record and has been raised to "operational level 3," meaning the national government leads the response.
- Temperatures are expected to reach up to 39°C in Bordeaux, France, and 37°C in Madrid, increasing fire danger.
- Firefighters have contained the Madrid fire overnight but a separate wildfire near València is still out of control.
- France’s fire near Bordeaux has burned about 42,000 hectares, and 126 firefighters have been injured there.
- More than 330,000 people in southern Europe have evacuated their homes due to wildfires.
- Some evacuees have returned to find their homes and belongings destroyed by fire.
- The European Commission has sent firefighting planes, helicopters, and personnel from several EU countries to help France and Spain.
- Officials say the hotter and longer wildfire seasons are linked to climate change, which worsens heatwaves and dries out vegetation.
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