Wildfire near Madrid devastates more than 13,000 hectares

La Mierla – 19.07.2026: In the dry mountains of the Sierra Norte of Guadalajara, a local fire has become a disaster for an entire region. The wildfire near La Mierla, around 100 kilometers north of Madrid, has affected more than 13,000 hectares according to the latest figures. The flames also spread into parts of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara Natural Park, an area of particular scenic and ecological value.

The regional government of Castile-La Mancha is continuing to maintain Level 2 emergency status for the fire. This means that firefighting and protection measures are being coordinated far beyond the immediately affected municipality. According to Environment Minister Mercedes Gomez, 21 localities had been evacuated by Sunday. At least 800 residents had to leave their apartments, homes or holiday accommodation.

In the morning, firefighting aircraft and helicopters resumed operations. On the ground, 204 personnel in 32 teams were working, according to the Infocam wildfire service. The terrain is an additional burden for firefighters: ravines, forest tracks and extensive mountain slopes make access difficult. It is therefore crucial not only to fight the flames, but also to protect settlements and evacuation routes.

The fire broke out on Thursday, 16.07.2026, within the municipality of La Mierla. Within a few days, estimates of the affected area rose rapidly: initially, around 2,000 hectares were reported, followed by more than 5,000 on Saturday. The current figure of more than 13,000 hectares shows how quickly the situation can change in dry conditions and wind. A final assessment is still pending.

For people in the region’s small towns, the evacuation primarily means uncertainty. Many of those affected found temporary shelter with relatives, friends or in municipal accommodation. No confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities were available on Sunday. Authorities urged the public to observe closures and keep access roads clear for emergency crews.

The fire has hit a region whose villages are widely scattered and whose daily life is closely linked to forests, pastureland and tourism. For the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara Natural Park, the issue is now not only the immediate danger, but also the consequences after the fire: destroyed habitats, damaged soils and the question of how the affected communities can return to safe daily life after days of evacuation.