Wildfires continue to devastate southern Europe, with a massive blaze west of Madrid growing into one of the largest fires in Spain’s recent history as authorities battle multiple outbreaks across the country and neighboring France.

Two major wildfires—one in the Burgohondo area of Ávila province and another in Madrid’s Sierra Oeste region—have merged into a single fire covering around 67,000 hectares, an area larger than the city of Madrid itself. The merged blaze has become one of the biggest wildfire complexes ever recorded in central Spain.

Fire Front Approaches Madrid

The wildfire stretches approximately 30 kilometers from north to south and around 65 kilometers from east to west. In some areas, the fire front is only about 45 kilometers from Madrid.

Additional large wildfires are burning to the north and south of the Spanish capital, leaving only the eastern side of Madrid currently unaffected. Spain remains under a national emergency as firefighters continue efforts to protect communities and contain the rapidly spreading flames.

Hundreds of Thousands Displaced

According to the latest reports, more than 300,000 people across Spain and France have been forced to evacuate because of the wildfires, while approximately 30,000 others have been instructed to remain indoors due to dangerous smoke and fire conditions.

Authorities in both countries have deployed thousands of firefighters, military personnel and aerial firefighting aircraft, with support from the European Union as emergency services face unprecedented pressure.

New Heatwave Raises Concerns

Firefighters have taken advantage of a brief improvement in weather conditions to strengthen containment lines, but meteorologists warn that another heatwave forecast later this week could significantly worsen the situation. Officials fear renewed high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds could accelerate fire spread across affected regions.