Giant cloud of smoke seen over Madrid as wildfires rage in central Spain
Spain wildfires smother Madrid in smoke
- An uncontrolled wildfire broke out in Mentrida, central Spain, sending a large cloud of smoke over Madrid.
- The blaze consumed approximately 3,000 hectares and led to dozens of evacuations, with residents in Madrid experiencing orange skies and the smell of burning.
- Over 95 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which was 95 per cent contained by Friday morning, allowing roads to reopen.
- The incident occurred as large parts of Spain are under heat and fire warnings, with temperatures in Madrid reaching 37C.
- Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, making regions more vulnerable to such wildfires.