A wildfire erupted Thursday afternoon near Mentrida, a town located fifty kilometers southwest of Madrid. The blaze sent thick orange and gray smoke across Spain's capital city. Residents watched ash particles drift from the sky while authorities closed sections of a major highway. Officials warned people to remain indoors and wear surgical masks when venturing outside. Local emergency services asked citizens to keep their windows shut as the acrid fumes spread.
Firefighters numbering more than 150 battled the flames using ground crews and aircraft. The fire ignited at approximately 3 pm local time according to regional forest fire services. Temperatures reached 39 degrees Celsius in Mentrida as Spain faced widespread heat warnings. Climate scientists attribute rising fire risks to human-caused global warming. This year has already seen over 25,000 hectares burn across the country.
Firefighters numbering more than 150 battled the flames using ground crews and aircraft. The fire ignited at approximately 3 pm local time according to regional forest fire services. Temperatures reached 39 degrees Celsius in Mentrida as Spain faced widespread heat warnings. Climate scientists attribute rising fire risks to human-caused global warming. This year has already seen over 25,000 hectares burn across the country.
