Lorraine Williamson
Spain has entered a heightened state of readiness as a wave of wildfires continues to sweep across multiple regions, fuelled by searing temperatures, parched landscapes and gusty winds. The Ministry of the Interior triggered the pre-emergency phase of the national emergency plan in the early hours of 12 August, activating round-the-clock coordination between national and regional authorities.
The move follows a surge in major fire outbreaks over recent days, which have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of forest and scrubland, forced mass evacuations, and threatened rural communities already struggling with depopulation and water shortages.
Coordinated national response
At 2.00 am, Virginia Barcones, Spain’s Director General of Civil Protection and Emergencies, ordered the activation of Operational Situation 1 of the Plan Estatal General de Emergencias (PLEGEM). This phase does not strip regional governments of their control over firefighting operations, but it does mobilise national resources and reinforce communications between Madrid and local emergency centres.
The National Emergency Monitoring and Coordination Centre (CENEM) has since implemented enhanced reporting with affected autonomous communities to track fire developments in real time and anticipate their spread.
Barcones later convened a meeting of the State Coordination and Leadership Committee (CECOD) for wildfires. Senior figures from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET, and the Directorate-General for Defence Policy joined the discussions, alongside other agencies tasked with ensuring a rapid and unified response.
Spain’s armed forces have also highlighted the work of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), which remains on standby nationwide. In a message on X, the Ministry of Defence praised the unit’s readiness to “act wherever it is needed” — from tackling forest fires to carrying out rescues and protecting communities. The post ended with a public thank-you: “Thank you for always being there.”
Fires stretching across the country
While authorities have avoided publishing a definitive list of current fire zones, satellite monitoring and regional reports point to active blazes in areas of Castilla y León, Galicia, Extremadura, Navarra, Andalucía, and Madrid. Each presents distinct challenges, from remote mountainous terrain to densely populated coastal resorts.
In recent days, flames have reached tourist areas in Cádiz and Tarragona, forcing thousands of tourists to abandon caravans, motorhomes and beach accommodation. In the Madrid commuter town of Tres Cantos, a fast-moving blaze swept into residential streets and industrial zones, damaging an animal shelter and research facilities.
Climate pressures raising the stakes
Spain’s meteorological agency warns that 65% of the country is now at extreme fire risk, a figure that reflects both the short-term impact of successive heatwaves and the long-term effects of climate change. Higher night-time temperatures prevent vegetation from reabsorbing moisture, while depopulated rural areas leave vast swathes of combustible scrub and forest unmanaged.
The current surge in fires mirrors a broader European trend. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) shows the EU has already lost more than 400,000 hectares to fire in 2025. This is well above the seasonal average.
What PLEGEM means for residents
The PLEGEM framework is Spain’s blueprint for handling national emergencies. It defines how resources are mobilised and how different levels of government coordinate during crises. The pre-emergency declaration does not give Madrid operational control. However, it ensures that extra firefighting aircraft, military units, and technical support can be deployed swiftly if regional requests escalate.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors in high-risk areas to obey restrictions, avoid lighting fires or barbecues. Furthermore, they must report any signs of smoke to the emergency number 112. In some zones, access to natural parks and forest tracks is now prohibited until conditions ease.
As the peak of summer heat continues, officials warn that the Spain wildfire pre-emergency is likely to remain in place — a signal that the battle against the flames is far from over.
Sources: La Moncloa, El País, Huffington Post