Three forest fires have merged in Madrid to form the worst blaze in the region’s history.
The monster inferno has now forced the evacuation or confinement of around 19,000 people, with regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso declaring that ‘right now it’s about saving lives.’
The fires at Almorox, Villa del Prado and San Martin de Valdeiglesias combined on Friday afternoon into one enormous blaze, with strong winds continuing to drive the flames towards new communities.
‘The fire is not under control,’ government delegate Francisco Martin warned.
‘The fires have merged into one that is advancing towards Navas del Rey.’
Ayuso described the disaster as ‘the worst wildfire ever’, adding that firefighters currently have no capacity to stop its front until weather conditions improve.
‘We will not be able to stop the head of the fire until the conditions change,’ she said.
Authorities have now ordered the evacuation of Navas del Rey, Colmenar del Arroyo and Chapineria, home to around 9,000 people, after previously evacuating or confining residents in Aldea del Fresno, Pelayos de la Presa and other nearby communities.
Emergency ES-Alert messages have been sent to thousands of residents, instructing them either to leave immediately or remain inside with doors and windows closed, depending on their location.
The wildfire has already burned around 6,000 hectares, with flames spreading at an estimated 5-6km/hr as gusts of 50-60km/hr continue to fan the blaze.
More than 160 emergency personnel, supported by 31 vehicles, nine aircraft and the Military Emergency Unit (UME), remain on the ground.
Firefighters have also carried out controlled burns around Navas del Rey in an effort to slow the advance of the flames.
The fire has already destroyed 43 homes and damaged a further 286 properties in the El Encinar del Alberche urbanisation, according to regional authorities.
Hundreds of vulnerable residents have also been evacuated, including elderly people living in care homes and people with disabilities, who have been transferred to facilities across the Madrid region.
Officials believe conditions could begin to improve overnight and into Saturday as winds ease, giving firefighters a better chance of bringing the massive blaze under control.
The wildfire is one of several major fires burning across Spain following an intense heatwave, with the government having already declared a national emergency in Madrid and neighbouring Avila as thousands of firefighters continue battling blazes across central Spain.
