Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described the wildfire situation in Spain as "dramatic", warning that both Spain and neighbouring countries are facing severe blazes as extreme temperatures fuel multiple fires.
In a post on X, Sánchez said wildfires were destroying thousands of hectares of land and affecting numerous towns and villages.
"We are experiencing a dramatic situation, not only in various Spanish regions but also in areas of neighbouring countries," he wrote, once again urging the public to follow the instructions of emergency services and civil protection authorities.
Estamos viviendo una situación dramática, no solo en distintas provincias españolas sino también en comarcas de países vecinos.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 24, 2026
Los incendios forestales están arrasando miles de hectáreas y afectando a diversas poblaciones. Quiero trasladar toda mi solidaridad con todas las…
Spain requests EU assistance
Spain has activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting the deployment of four aerial firefighting assets as several major fires continue to burn simultaneously, including near Madrid.
The Spanish Interior Ministry said the country's Civil Protection and Emergency Directorate had formally requested at least four firefighting aircraft through the EU mechanism.
Greece responds
According to the ministry, Greece has responded to the request, offering four Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft.
Spanish authorities said preparatory meetings were due to take place ahead of the deployment of the aircraft.
Several wildfires are currently burning in the Madrid region, some around 50 kilometres from the Spanish capital, as the country endures a prolonged heatwave.
Emergency services remain on high alert as firefighters continue efforts to contain the blazes.
Source: CNA
