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Spain Faces Multiple Wildfires Amid Extreme Heat and Wind
Wildfire in Avila, Spain The International Reporter

Spain Faces Multiple Wildfires Amid Extreme Heat and Wind

Firefighters battle blazes across the country as evacuations and alerts continue

Spain is heading into a tense and difficult weekend as much of the country faces extreme wildfire risk. A combination of rising temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds has created the perfect storm for fires to ignite and spread quickly. While the major blaze in Méntrida (Toledo) is now under control, emergency crews are battling new outbreaks across the country, from Alicante to Ávila, and from Sevilla to Mallorca.

Major Fire in Ibi (Alicante) Triggers Evacuations

One of the most concerning fires broke out on Friday afternoon, July 18, in Ibi, near Alcoy, in the province of Alicante. The flames started in a religious community known as El Cenáculo, and the fire has already affected around 250 hectares of natural land. Around 25 people have been evacuated from nearby properties.

The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been deployed alongside six ground units and two helicopters from the Generalitat’s forest fire service. Officials have warned residents in Ibi and Alcoy to remain indoors and keep windows shut due to smoke moving through the area overnight.

Weather conditions are expected to remain difficult, with low humidity (below 25%), nighttime temperatures still hovering around 30°C, and wind gusts reaching over 30 km/h.

Navaluenga Fire Cuts Roads and Forces Evacuations in Sierra de Gredos

In Navaluenga (Ávila), a fast-moving wildfire continues to cause serious concern. The fire broke out just after midday on Friday, July 18, in the Sierra de Gredos area and has already reached Level 2 on the wildfire risk scale, indicating a clear danger to nearby infrastructure, communities, and the environment.

The blaze has forced the closure of the AV-902 road between Navaluenga and Burgohondo, cutting off access in and out of the area. Emergency services have been deployed from the Junta de Castilla y León, the Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UME (Military Emergency Unit). Firefighters are struggling with extremely tough conditions: rugged terrain, bone-dry vegetation, and strong gusts of wind reaching 50 km/h.

Temperatures in the area have climbed above 30°C, and the presence of two active fire fronts has raised suspicions that the fire may have been started deliberately. The steep slopes and dense mountain vegetation are also making it much harder to control.

Initially, the local town hall appealed for volunteer help, but as the situation worsened, they were forced to ask people to stay away to avoid putting more lives at risk and to allow emergency services to operate safely and efficiently.

At least 20 homes in the El Quejigo urbanisation and nearby areas have been evacuated, and officials are urging the public to avoid nearby roads to prevent blocking emergency crews.

With such challenging conditions and high fire intensity, emergency teams remain deeply concerned about how the situation could evolve overnight.

Fires Reported in Andalucía and Central Spain

In Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla), flames were spotted around the Río Guadaira area on Friday evening. The Plan Infoca emergency service deployed eight aircraft and over ten land units, including helicopters and amphibious planes.

In Los Pozuelos de Calatrava (Ciudad Real), more than 100 people and 21 fire units are battling a fire detected just after 6 p.m. on Friday, July 18.

Maqueda (Toledo) is also dealing with a wildfire, now at Level 1, with fire crews working in forested and shrubland areas. Seven aircraft and over 40 personnel are on the ground.

A blaze in Algaida (Mallorca), confirmed around 8:30 p.m. also happening on Friday, July 18, is currently under control. It has been classified as a potential severity level 0.

In Dos Hermanas (Sevilla), a fire near the Casquero urbanisation produced a large column of smoke. Firefighters and police were quickly dispatched to the area.

Fire in Madrid Sends Smoke Through Carabanchel

Even city districts have not been spared. In Carabanchel (Madrid), a fire broke out in a grassy plot near Avenida de Fátima around 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 18. Five firefighting teams responded, and six people were treated for smoke inhalation, five residents and one firefighter. All have since been discharged. A nearby day centre was also evacuated as a precaution.

Progress Made in Méntrida, But Crews Stay on Alert

The large fire that started on Thursday, July 17, in Méntrida (Toledo) has already destroyed more than 3,200 hectares of land, affecting areas in both Toledo and Madrid. The fire has been perimetered and brought under control, and officials say conditions are now ‘favourable.’ A phased reduction in firefighting resources may begin if the wind remains calm overnight.

Over 150 homes were evacuated in the area of Calypo Fado, though residents have now returned. The UME and emergency services from both regions remain in place to monitor any changes.

The fire also caused power and water outages in nearby towns and led to a temporary closure of the A-5 motorway due to poor visibility from smoke and ash. The smell of smoke even reached the centre of Madrid on Thursday night.

Scenes from 12 hours ago…

Public Urged to Stay Alert and Avoid Outdoor Activities

Emergency authorities across Spain are urging the public to remain vigilant. In particular, residents in affected areas are being advised to:

  • Stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities
  • Keep windows and doors shut to limit smoke exposure
  • Avoid driving near affected areas unless absolutely necessary

Outlook: Fires Still Active, Weather Remains Unfavourable

With multiple active fires and high-risk conditions forecast through the weekend, authorities are asking everyone to cooperate and allow firefighters to do their work safely. The situation remains serious, especially in Alicante, Ávila, and Toledo, and crews continue to work around the clock to bring the blazes under control.

Main image: X @caomaria2

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