Spanish authorities issue 'extreme' alert as tens of thousands flee wildfires across Europe

NewsWorld NewsSpainA national emergency has been declared in Spain18:22, 24 Jul 2026An 'extreme' alert for wildfires is in force across large parts of Spain today (July 24) as emergency services continue to battle devastating blazes.‌It comes as Spain has declared a national emergency for the first time in history due to wildfires, with tens of thousands evacuated to flee from major fires close to Madrid.‌The two major fires west of Madrid merged into one single blaze that had quickly charred 11.5 square miles by Friday afternoon. Regional president Isabel Diaz-Ayuso called it the worst in Madrid’s history.‌Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily NewsletterAnd in southern France, more than 60,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes, including by