Spanish authorities have stated that the situation with large forest fires near Madrid has gotten out of control, and their containment already exceeds the capabilities of fire services. Previously, a state of emergency was introduced in the country, and the head of the autonomous community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, called this fire the most extensive in the region's entire history, writes the BBC.
Carlos Novillo, head of the regional emergency services, reported that the fire is in its most active phase and continues to spread towards the municipalities of Robledo de Chavela and Fresnedillas de la Oliva, located several tens of kilometers west of Madrid.
Authorities have already ordered the evacuation of residents from these settlements. According to Novillo, in some areas, extinguishing the fire is no longer possible, so the main focus is now on protecting settlements and containing the fire.
Regional authorities also urged residents of Madrid and the surrounding areas not to go outdoors unnecessarily. Air quality has significantly deteriorated due to the smoke. Children, elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular system diseases should be especially cautious.
Residents were advised to keep windows, doors, and ventilation openings closed to prevent smoke from entering the premises.
Meanwhile, in France, authorities ordered the complete evacuation of people from Cap Ferret in the southwest of the country. Large-scale forest fires in the Gironde region threaten tens of thousands of local residents and tourists who could be cut off by the flames.
According to the latest data from the French Ministry of Interior, approximately 135,000 people have already been evacuated in France and Spain.
Meteorologists and rescue services note that the situation remains very difficult. Months of heat and drought have created favorable conditions for the spread of fire, and no rain is expected in the coming days. Moreover, a new temperature increase is forecast for next week, which could further complicate the fight against the fires.
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