Authorities in Spain have permitted thousands of citizens to return to their homes in Madrid, Toledo, Ávila, and Castellón following the lifting of wildfire-related restrictions. Approximately 24,000 residents in the Madrid region have been cleared to return, while movement controls were dropped for another 20,000 people. Despite this progress, officials remain cautious as Spain and France brace for their fourth heatwave of the summer.
Wildfires continue to pose a threat. Near Madrid, a blaze at Burgohondo has already scorched over 43,000 hectares, marking it as the largest fire in Spanish history. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez noted that the next 12 hours are critical, citing concerns over high temperatures and potential wind gusts. Another blaze remains active near Valencia at Vall d’Uixó. In France, the Gironde region is experiencing stabilized fire fronts, but officials warn that temperatures could reach 41C alongside dry winds, keeping emergency services in a state of high alert. Protective measures have been deployed in France to safeguard sensitive industrial sites.
While no new fatalities have been linked to the fires near Madrid, authorities in Seville confirmed that a woman injured in earlier Almería fires has passed away, bringing the death toll from that event to fourteen. Meanwhile, fire activity persists in Portugal and Greece. Local leaders in affected Spanish towns, such as Chapinería, have highlighted the severe impact on their communities, noting that rebuilding will be a significant challenge.
