MADRID, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Thursday the end of the national emergency declared over wildfires in the province of Avila and the Madrid region, as fires in the two areas have largely stabilized, while blazes remain active elsewhere amid a new heatwave and strong winds.
Speaking at an emergency command center in Navaluenga, Avila, Sanchez said the decision followed consultations with regional authorities and technical teams. Management of the emergency will now return to regional governments under a lower, Level 2 operational status.
The Burgohondo fire in Avila has burned more than 50,000 hectares and is considered the largest wildfire ever recorded in Spain. The blaze has been technically stabilized, and residents who had been evacuated have been allowed to return home.
In Madrid's western mountain areas, around 28,000 hectares have been affected. Firefighters are continuing to put out hotspots and monitor areas vulnerable to renewed outbreaks, while seven residential developments remain under evacuation orders.
Spain is currently facing its fourth heatwave of the summer. Extreme temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are complicating firefighting operations and raising the risk of flare-ups.
Although the national emergency in Avila and Madrid has been lifted, Spain's broader wildfire crisis remains ongoing. ■
