New wildfire ignites near Aldea del Fresno as heatwave grips Madrid region

On Aug 19, a new wildfire sparked near Aldea del Fresno, a settlement situated roughly 50 km west of Madrid, as the region endured scorching heat and gusty conditions. Emergency services mobilized nine water-dropping planes to combat the blaze, while instructing the town’s estimated 3,500 inhabitants to remain inside and evacuating homes on its outskirts. The fire erupted as local temperatures climbed to 36 °C, with strong winds fanning the flames.

This incident follows July’s devastating wildfires across western Madrid and neighboring Ávila province, which at their peak displaced nearly 60,000 people and scorched about 27,000 hectares across 17 municipalities. Scientists link the recurring fire season to extreme summer heat amplified by climate change. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the fire threatens additional communities.