Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska last night assumed the direction and coordination of the emergency following a request from the Community of Madrid, which sought the declaration of State Civil Protection Plan operational level 3, deeming the fires beyond ordinary response capacity.
The decision stems from the coincidence of several large-scale fires, adverse weather conditions, the mobilization of resources from various public administrations, and a direct threat to population centers. The head of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) has been tasked with the operational direction of the deployment.
The most concerning fires are located in Villa del Prado, affecting Aldea del Fresno; San Martín de Valdeiglesias, threatening Pelayos de la Presa; and Burgohondo (Ávila), whose evolution could reach Madrid territory. The fire in Almorox (Toledo) is evolving favorably.
More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa, and Aldea del Fresno. The situation remains critical, with the main blazes uncontrolled.
As a consequence of the emergency, five interurban bus lines (541, 545, 546, 547, and 548) have been temporarily suspended. The Regional Transport Consortium has mobilized nine buses to assist with evacuations.
The fires have also caused disruptions to the telecommunications network affecting approximately 40 Madrid towns. Operators are working to restore service, though some faults cannot yet be repaired due to unsafe access conditions for technical teams.
The Madrid Health Service has activated an extraordinary health device, with at least 600 hospital beds prepared. The Isabel Zendal Nurse Hospital is available as a reference center. La Poveda Hospital in Villa del Prado is currently treating 119 stable patients and has assisted four evacuees.
Six ambulances with psychological support are deployed in Villa del Prado and Villamanta. Most health interventions are for anxiety and mild respiratory issues caused by smoke.
The Community of Madrid is continuously monitoring residences and social centers in affected areas. Residents from San Juan Bautista (Aldea del Fresno) will be transferred to Leganés, while those from La Fresneda and AMAN Picadas are at the Villamanta sports center.
Several regional roads remain closed, including sections of the M-507 and M-540 in Villa del Prado, and the M-501 and M-541 near San Martín de Valdeiglesias. A service road of the M-206 in Loeches is also cut due to another fire.
