Madrid: Spain has declared a national emergency for the first time over a series of devastating wildfires that have swept across parts of the country, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people. The crisis comes as an intense heatwave and strong winds fuel wildfires across southern Europe, with France, Italy and other countries also battling rapidly spreading blazes.

Spanish authorities said the emergency declaration was necessary because multiple fires were burning simultaneously, overwhelming regional firefighting resources and requiring coordinated national action.

Thousands evacuated as fires rage near Madrid

The worst-affected areas are around Madrid and the neighbouring province of Ávila, where fires have spread quickly through forests and mountainous terrain.

More than 10,000 residents have been evacuated from towns and villages as firefighters struggle to contain multiple blazes amid soaring temperatures and dry conditions. Authorities fear that some fires could merge into larger wildfire fronts, making them even harder to control.

Spain’s Interior Ministry said the national emergency enables the central government to coordinate firefighting operations, civil protection measures and the deployment of additional emergency personnel across affected regions.

France evacuates tens of thousands

The wildfire crisis has also intensified in neighbouring France, where authorities have evacuated more than 60,000 people, including thousands of tourists, from the Atlantic coast.

The Cap Ferret peninsula and nearby Biscarrosse were among the hardest-hit areas, with fires destroying more than 10,000 hectares of land and dozens of homes. France has requested assistance from the European Union, which has deployed firefighting aircraft and other emergency resources.

Europe battles extreme heat

Wildfires are also affecting Italy, particularly Sicily, where emergency crews are battling multiple blazes triggered by prolonged heat and dry weather.

Scientists and officials have linked the worsening wildfire season to repeated heatwaves and changing climate conditions, which have created highly combustible landscapes across southern Europe.

Spain has already recorded more than 100,000 hectares of land burned this year, making 2026 one of its most destructive wildfire seasons in recent history.

Emergency services deployed

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with affected residents and said the government would continue deploying all available resources to contain the fires.

More than 270 emergency personnel, including members of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, have been mobilised to support regional firefighting operations. Aircraft and helicopters continue to battle the blazes from the air while ground crews work to protect homes and critical infrastructure.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and avoid travelling near wildfire zones as weather conditions remain unfavourable.

Europe faces another challenging wildfire season

The latest emergency highlights the growing threat posed by extreme weather across Europe.

With temperatures remaining unusually high and little rainfall forecast in several regions, authorities warn that wildfire risks will remain elevated in the coming weeks. European governments are expected to continue coordinating resources under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to support countries facing the most severe outbreaks.