Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska activated level 3 national interest emergency in the Madrid region and Ávila province early Friday after a request from Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
The declaration occurred around 00:20 on Friday, July 23, 2026. The central government took command of firefighting operations for the active blazes in Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Burgohondo.
More than 10,000 people were evacuated from Madrid municipalities including Aldea del Fresno, Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Pelayos de la Presa. In Ávila, 1,500 residents left areas of Burgohondo, Navaluenga and El Tiemblo.
The head of the Military Emergencies Unit directs operations under the coordination of the Interior Ministry. Authorities warned of adverse weather conditions complicating extinguishing efforts.
