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Historic wildfires devastate central and eastern Spain, burning over 80,000 hectares

Published July 26, 2026 at 5:32 PM UTC

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More than 80,000 hectares have been charred by wildfires raging across four Spanish provinces, with the blaze in Avila becoming the largest in the country's recorded history. The fires, which have forced mass evacuations and affected over 110,000 people, are beginning to subside as weather conditions improve. The fires started amid extreme heat and drought, exacerbated by climate change. The Avila fire alone consumed 50,000 hectares, surpassing previous records. The Madrid fire burned 25,000 hectares, and Toledo lost 2,000 hectares. In Castellon, firefighters continue to battle a separate blaze. Evacuations have impacted 64 municipalities. Emergency services from multiple regions coordinated efforts, with aerial support. The fires have raised concerns about land management and the increasing frequency of megafires. Experts note that Spain has seen over 1,520 square kilometers burned this year already. Cooler temperatures and rainfall have helped slow the spread, but full containment may take weeks. Authorities are assessing damage to property, agriculture, and ecosystems. The government has pledged aid for affected communities.