Spain declares national emergency as wildfires continue to rage near Madrid

Spain declared a national emergency after wildfires threatened communities near Madrid and Avila.

Over 10,000 people were evacuated from Villa del Prado, San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa, and Aldea del Fresno.

The Interior Ministry cited simultaneous fires, adverse weather, and need for cross-administration resources.

The regional government of Madrid described the situation as one of 'extreme gravity'.

This is the first such declaration linked to a wildfire under Spain's National Civil Protection System law.