Spanish authorities announced that wildfires threatening areas near Madrid have stopped spreading, with 'almost no flames' remaining. The prefecture of the Madrid region reported that night-time weather conditions have helped cool the area and reinforce the perimeter, which has been stable with no spread for several days. There are few smoking spots and no longer any 'active fronts', with only around a thousand people remaining evacuated.
Stable Situation, Ongoing Threat
Despite the progress, authorities warned that the ongoing heatwave poses a significant risk of fire resurgence, particularly in areas west of Madrid where over 25,000 hectares have already burned. The Madrid regional authority emphasized that the meteorological risk of fire remains very high, with efforts focusing on maintaining perimeter stability, monitoring for new outbreaks, and cooling hot spots.
Critical Areas and Evacuations
The most critical area on Thursday morning was near the San Juan reservoir, approximately 60 kilometers from Madrid's center, necessitating the continued evacuation of two towns. The situation underscores the persistent danger posed by extreme weather conditions and the ongoing need for vigilance and resources in firefighting efforts.