Smoke rises from wildfires near Madrid, Spain, on July 23, 2026. Multiple wildfires burning across Spain's Madrid region on Thursday forced large-scale evacuations, with about 10,000 people affected by evacuation measures, local authorities said. (Photo: Xinhua)
MADRID, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Multiple wildfires burning across Spain's Madrid region on Thursday forced large-scale evacuations, with about 10,000 people affected by evacuation measures, local authorities said.
The fires, affecting the municipalities of Villa del Prado, Aldea del Fresno and San Martin de Valdeiglesias, spread into the region from the neighboring province of Toledo, where another major wildfire remains active.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of the entire town of Aldea del Fresno, affecting around 3,500 residents, as flames advanced toward populated areas. Several nearby nursing homes and care facilities were also evacuated.
Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been deployed to support firefighting operations.
Several roads in the affected areas were closed as dozens of ground crews, firefighting aircraft and emergency personnel battled the blazes amid high temperatures and strong winds.
No fatalities had been officially reported as of late Thursday. Authorities urged residents to comply with evacuation orders and follow emergency instructions as firefighting efforts continued. ■
Smoke from wildfires shrouds the skyline of Madrid, Spain, July 23, 2026. Multiple wildfires burning across Spain's Madrid region on Thursday forced large-scale evacuations, with about 10,000 people affected by evacuation measures, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Smoke from wildfires blankets mountains near Madrid, Spain, July 23, 2026. Multiple wildfires burning across Spain's Madrid region on Thursday forced large-scale evacuations, with about 10,000 people affected by evacuation measures, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Smoke from wildfires shrouds the skyline of Madrid, Spain, July 23, 2026. Multiple wildfires burning across Spain's Madrid region on Thursday forced large-scale evacuations, with about 10,000 people affected by evacuation measures, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)