Spain declares national pre-emergency phase as wildfires rage

Tuesday 12 August 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain declares national pre-emergency phase as wildfires rage

Government activates emergency response amid severe wildfires

Spain’s government has declared a pre-emergency phase under the General State Emergency Plan (PLEGEM) as wildfires sweep across multiple regions. The Interior Ministry announced the activation early Tuesday, August 12, amid escalating fires requiring state intervention and resources.

Virginia Barcones, Director General of Civil Protection and Emergencies, confirmed the measure at 2 a.m., emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to manage the crisis. The initiative aims to analyze the situation and deploy necessary resources to affected areas effectively.

National coordination underway

The National Emergency Monitoring and Coordination Centre (CENEM) has enhanced communication with regional emergency centers to monitor the fires and predict their progression. Authorities are working closely with institutions such as the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), and the Directorate General for Defense Policy (DIGENPOL) to streamline response efforts.

Widespread impact across Spain

As of August 12, dozens of wildfires are burning across Spain, affecting Cádiz, León, Zamora, Toledo, Cáceres, Ourense, and Madrid.

In Madrid, hundreds of residents in Tres Cantos were forced to evacuate as flames rapidly approached. "In barely 40 minutes, the fire advanced six kilometers," said Carlos Novillo, Madrid's regional environment chief.

In Andalusia, around 2,000 people were evacuated from homes and hotels near Tarifa's popular beaches. "We managed to save the residential area at the very last second," stated Antonio Sanz, the interior minister for Andalusia's regional government.

Threats to cultural heritage

In Castilla y León, more than 30 fires have been reported, with one threatening Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient Roman gold mines.

Fires fueled by extreme heat

The wildfires coincide with one of the year’s most intense heatwaves, with forecasters warning of temperatures exceeding 40°C and nighttime lows above 25°C. Weather alerts remain active in all regions as firefighters work to contain the blazes amid challenging conditions.