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Wildfires Halt Madrid–Andalucía AVE Two Days Running

Fire authorities have contained blazes that disrupted visibility along the route, clearing the way for phased resumptions under strict safety clearances.

Overview

  • On July 29, a wildfire between Urda and Malagón halted AVE high-speed trains on the Madrid–Andalucía corridor, and services were later reinstated in phases following fire-authority clearance.
  • The initial fire at Brazatortas on July 28 forced suspension of both high-speed AVE and conventional Mérida–Puertollano services until tracks were deemed safe at 17:38.
  • Plan Infocam mobilized 24 firefighting resources—including six aerial units and 16 ground crews—and nearly 100 personnel to battle the Brazatortas blaze, which scorched around 130–140 hectares.
  • Seven high-speed trains operated by Renfe, Ouigo and Iryo were stopped due to smoke-impaired visibility, but no injuries were reported during either disruption.
  • Although rail traffic has resumed, lingering smoke continues to pose visibility hazards, prompting ongoing safety checks by ADIF, Renfe and fire authorities.