Worst wildfire in Madrid’s history forces thousands to flee homes
You couldn’t breathe,” Jose Cobos, who fled his home with his wife and three dogs, told private broadcaster Antena 3.Spanish authorities on July 24 ordered the evacuation of 7,000 more people from two new localities west of Madrid threatened by wildfires.Firefighters battling a wildfire 80kms west of Madrid on July 24. PHOTO: AFPEmergency messages were sent to the phones of people in the two villages affected.
- ▪You couldn’t breathe,” Jose Cobos, who fled his home with his wife and three dogs, told private broadcaster Antena 3.Spanish authorities on July 24 ordered the evacuation of 7,000 more people from two new localities west of Madrid threatene
- ▪PHOTO: AFPEmergency messages were sent to the phones of people in the two villages affected.
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Worst wildfire in Madrid’s history forces thousands to flee homesSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxTwo separate wind-fuelled wildfires combined to become one huge blaze on July 24 in the Madrid region of Spain. PHOTO: AFPPublished Jul 25, 2026, 01:59 AMUpdated Jul 25, 2026, 01:59 AMSet as preferred sourceSummariseThe worst wildfire in Madrid’s history has forced around 26,000 people to evacuate or stay indoors, destroying dozens of homes and closing roads.Strong winds and dry conditions worsened the fire, which has burned about 6,000 hectares and threatened nearby regions, prompting a national emergency.Authorities arrested a suspect for starting the fire, evacuated vulnerable residents, and expect weather to improve to help control the blaze.AI generatedMADRID -…
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