"It is the largest in Spain's history": Ávila is proof that large forest fires have come to stay

Spain is facing an exceptionally severe 2026 wildfire season, with the Burgohondo blaze in Ávila now the country’s largest recent fire.

The fire has burned about 50,000 hectares, while fires in Madrid and Toledo have lifted the total affected area above 77,000 hectares.

The crisis has led to mass evacuations and road closures, disrupting communities and transport across several regions.

Officials, including Sara Aagesen and the Interior and Ecological Transition ministries, are responding as the fire trend worsens.