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Date Published: 22/07/2026

Second worst wildfire in history sweeps through central Spain

The massive blaze in Guadalajara has already scorched 32,000 hectares and is now one of the largest wildfires ever recorded in Spain

Just days after the devastating wildfires in Almería that claimed the lives of several British residents, Spain is once again battling a major fire emergency, this time in the heart of the country.

A huge wildfire in Guadalajara province has already burned through around 32,000 hectares of land, making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in Castilla-La Mancha and the second worst in Spain's recorded history.

The blaze broke out near La Mierla last Thursday and continues to burn across the Sierra Norte area. Although firefighters have made progress in recent days, officials say the fire remains far from being fully under control.

More than 600 personnel, supported by over 100 vehicles and 18 aircraft, are involved in the firefighting operation, making it one of the largest emergency responses seen in the community.

Emergency crews have managed to stop the fire spreading into neighbouring Soria province, one of the biggest concerns earlier this week. However, smoke and shifting conditions have forced further evacuations and precautionary measures.

So far, 34 municipalities have been evacuated and 14 others remain under lockdown, affecting more than 1,200 residents. Several care home residents have also been moved to safety.

Castilla-La Mancha regional president Emiliano García-Page said the situation is improving, although he warned there is still a long way to go.

"We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said after a meeting of emergency coordinators.

Fire operation director Juan José Fernández struck a more cautious note, explaining that crews are still dealing with active fronts.

"Right now, we still can't talk about control. This is going to take a lot of work," he said.

The fire has already been described as one of the most complex Spain has faced in recent years, requiring the largest deployment of the Military Emergency Unit ever seen in Castilla-La Mancha.

Adding to concerns, a second wildfire broke out on Tuesday in another part of Guadalajara province, prompting the evacuation of six villages and the closure of a section of the N-211 road.

Elsewhere, firefighters continue to tackle blazes in Segovia, Teruel and Huesca as Spain endures another intense heatwave.

With temperatures soaring and vegetation tinder dry across large parts of the country, emergency services remain on high alert for further outbreaks in the days ahead.

Images: ATBRIF / INFOCAM

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