Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Spanish Wildfire Near Madrid Reaches 95% Containment After Raging Through 3,000 Hectares

Evacuations remain in effect under lingering smoke haze that is keeping residents indoors.

Image
A burnt-out building stands among scorched trees following a wildfire in Martigues, near Marseille, France, July 18, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz
French firefighters spray water next to a house to contain a wildfire in Martigues near Marseille, France, July 18, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz

Overview

  • The blaze ignited on July 17 near Méntrida, about 50 km southwest of Madrid, and consumed roughly 3,000 hectares during 37 °C heat and gale-force winds.
  • Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service crews, backed by over 95 firefighters, ground units, air tankers and water-bombing planes, secured 95 percent containment by the morning of July 18.
  • Smoke plumes cast an orange tint over Madrid and severely reduced visibility, prompting health advisories for residents to shelter indoors and keep windows closed.
  • Dozens of people were evacuated under Spanish Civil Guard protection, and several roads were reopened as visibility improved.
  • EU Copernicus data show Europe warming at twice the global average since the 1980s, intensifying heat and drought conditions that elevate wildfire risks.