Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s battle against fast-moving forest fires has intensified, with travel chaos spreading across the country. Galicia, Zamora and Extremadura remain at the heart of the crisis, where flames have forced the closure of major transport links and the evacuation of entire communities.
Since Thursday, the high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Galicia has been at a standstill. The shutdown was ordered at the request of emergency services, who say the scale and unpredictability of the fires make it impossible to guarantee passenger safety.
Rail infrastructure manager ADIF and operator Renfe confirmed on Friday morning (15 August) that trains will remain suspended until conditions improve. Thousands of passengers have been left stranded, although Renfe has deployed extra services on alternative routes and is offering free rebooking or full refunds.
ADIF reinforced the warning in a post on X, stating: “The current evolution of the wildfires in Zamora and Ourense prevents the restoration of high-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia today.” The message ended with a clear reminder to passengers: “Your safety is our priority.”
Travellers are being urged to check official updates from Renfe and ADIF before setting off, as the situation is evolving by the hour.
Roads blocked across multiple provinces
The fires have also paralysed parts of Spain’s road network. According to El Español, eleven roads were closed on 15 August, including two key national highways: the N-525 in A Gudiña (Ourense) and the N-630 between Aldeanueva del Camino and Plasencia (Cáceres).
Secondary routes in Cáceres, Palencia, Huelva, León and Zamora have also been shut, either because of active flames, heavy smoke, or ongoing evacuations.
In Zamora’s Alta Sanabria comarca, 1,500 residents were evacuated on Friday morning as flames from neighbouring Ourense crossed into the region. In Extremadura, two major blazes — near Jarilla and Pallares in Badajoz — have already destroyed an estimated 2,500 hectares.
Scale of destruction and official response
So far in August, wildfires have consumed more than 115,000 hectares across Spain. Authorities have reported three deaths, the evacuation of over 5,000 people, and the arrest of 30 suspects on suspicion of arson.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is chairing an emergency meeting of the National Coordination Committee (CECOD) to reinforce firefighting efforts and coordinate resources to prevent further devastation.
A crisis still unfolding
With soaring temperatures, strong winds and parched landscapes feeding the flames, the coming days will be critical. Authorities warn that while containment efforts are underway, the risk of further disruption to both road and rail remains high.