Spain lifts wildfire emergency after Avila and Madrid stabilize
13:12, 30/07/2026, ThursdayU: Update: 13:12, 30/07/2026, Thursday
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
Spain has ended the national emergency declared over major wildfires in Avila and Madrid after authorities brought the blazes under control. Officials have lowered the emergency response level but continue monitoring affected areas to prevent new flare-ups as another heat wave approaches.
Spain has officially ended the national emergency imposed in response to large wildfires in Avila and Madrid after firefighters succeeded in stabilizing the blazes. Authorities have lowered the emergency status while maintaining active monitoring as high temperatures continue to pose a renewed wildfire risk.
Emergency level reduced
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that the emergency classification for the affected regions had been downgraded to operational level 2 during a visit to the Advanced Command Post in Avila. The decision reflects improving conditions after days of intensive firefighting operations across central Spain.
Authorities remain on alert
Although the fires in Avila and Madrid are now considered under control, emergency teams remain deployed to prevent any resurgence. Firefighters are also continuing containment work on another stabilized wildfire in Toledo, where officials are closely watching weather conditions.
Government praises response
Sanchez said Spain's response to the wildfires had been "reasonably successful and effective," highlighting the coordinated efforts of emergency services and public institutions in limiting the impact of the fires across the affected regions.
Heat wave keeps wildfire risk high
Despite the improvement in the situation, Spanish authorities have warned that a new heat wave could increase the likelihood of fresh outbreaks. Emergency services are expected to remain on high alert as elevated temperatures and dry conditions continue to threaten wildfire-prone areas.