# The Spanish government declared a national emergency after a series of wildfires threatened communities near Madrid and the neighbouring province of Avila. Over ten-thousand people were forced to evacuate while firefighters struggled to contain the blazes. The Interior Ministry says the decision was taken because of the simultaneous outbreak of several fires, adverse weather conditions and the need to mobilise extensive resources from different public administrations, increasing the complexity of firefighting and civil protection efforts. Madrid’s regional government requested assistance, describing the situation as one of extreme gravity.
Spain declares national emergency over wildfires near Madrid and in Avila