How many people were evacuated due to the Madrid wildfires?

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Approximately 60,000 people were evacuated due to the wildfires in the Madrid region and the province of Avila.

The wildfires that have been raging west of Madrid have necessitated the evacuation of around 60,000 individuals from the affected areas. These evacuations have impacted both the Madrid region and the neighbouring province of Avila, with those displaced finding temporary refuge in facilities such as sports halls. The scale of the fires has been significant, having already ravaged more than 25,000 hectares of land by July 25, 2026.
Displacement to Temporary Shelters

Many of the displaced individuals have been housed in communal spaces, such as the sports hall in Villaviciosa de Odon, located approximately 30 kilometres west of Madrid. These facilities have provided basic necessities like cots, meals, and showers for those who had to leave their homes suddenly. Residents like Elvira Menendez, an 80-year-old from Chapineria, described the experience of sleeping on cots alongside many other people and the sounds of snoring, a stark contrast to their homes.
Impact on Residents and Daily Life

The wildfires have caused considerable disruption to the lives of residents. Victoria Hurtado, a 61-year-old home care worker, had to evacuate with the elderly and sick individuals under her care, managing to grab only a small bag with clothes and medication. The uncertainty of when they will be able to return home is a significant concern for many, despite the efforts of firefighters working around the clock.
Scale of Land Affected

The extent of the devastation caused by the fires is substantial, with over 25,000 hectares of land already consumed by the blaze. The fires have created a hazy, smoke-filled atmosphere, even in areas tens of kilometres away from the immediate fire front, affecting the visibility and air quality. The historic El Escorial monastery, a prominent tourist destination, was observed to be shrouded in a smoke-filled mist.

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How many people were evacuated due to the Madrid wildfires?

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