The Community of Madrid has issued a statement with urgent recommendations for the public regarding the forest fire declared in Villa del Prado last Thursday, July 23, 2026. Citizens are asked to avoid travel to the affected areas and follow the instructions of the emergency services.
Residents in nearby municipalities are advised to close doors and windows and turn off air conditioning units that draw air from outside, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or those at risk. It is recommended to move away from the fire in the direction opposite to the smoke and wind, and to seek safe areas such as firebreaks, rivers, or already burnt zones. In case of evacuation, it is urged to have a backpack ready with essentials like medication, documentation, and basic necessities, and to follow information from official sources, contacting 112 in case of emergency.
The Madrid 112 Security and Emergencies Agency has sent an ES-Alert message to inform the population near the affected area, requesting them to remain confined to their homes until further notice. Residents have been instructed to keep doors closed and avoid going outside.
Currently, at least 18 crews from Bomberos CM, Bomberos Forestales CM, and Agentes Forestales CM, along with UMEgob, are working in the area to control the fire. The situation has led to the closure of the M-507 towards Navalcarnero and the M-403 towards Toledo at their respective intersections.
Special emergency plans for forest fires in the Community of Madrid establish actions and resource mobilization based on the operational phase. The direction of the plan for emergencies of situation 0, 1, and 2 corresponds to the Community of Madrid, while the State Administration directs emergencies declared of national interest (situation 3).
