Spain: Wildfires and national emergency

On 23 July 2026 the Spanish Interior Ministry declared a national emergency due to multiple major wildfires which have recently merged near Madrid.

These wildfires have forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people across Madrid, Ávila, Toledo and Castellón. 

Several towns and cities in the Madrid and Ávila areas are still under mandatory lockdown. The restrictions are in place to protect people from hazardous air and to keep roads open for emergency vehicles and services. Major roads and public transport lines in the central mountain corridors are closed.

New Zealanders in Spain should always

• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation or lockdown orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information

The Community of Madrid website (in Spanish) has more local information.

Here’s our advice on what to do if there’s a natural disaster or severe weather while you’re travelling overseas.

If you’re travelling, be sure to register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send you security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis. Register your travel

New Zealanders in Spain who require consular assistance should contact the New Zealand embassy in Madrid on +34 915 230 226 or email: [email protected].

For emergency consular assistance, call +64 99 20 20 20.