Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking during a visit to a forward command post in Navalcarnero, said the next 12 hours will be 'decisive' in consolidating and securing the progress made by firefighters as temperatures rise and create new risks. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

Sánchez described the current situation as 'favourable' but warned that rising temperatures could create new dangers. He asked those displaced by fires for trust and patience, emphasizing that decisions are not political but taken on scientific advice. Sánchez also warned people against believing hoaxes and conspiracy theories spread on social media.

Situation near Madrid

While the situation near Madrid is gradually improving, Spanish media report that a separate fire near Vall d'Uixó in Castellón province is still spreading uncontrollably. According to RTVE, the fire has burned nearly 10,000 hectares across 81 kilometers, forcing authorities to evacuate some 10,000 people.

Last night, 24,000 evacuees returned to their homes near Madrid, with another 20,000 released from stay-at-home orders. Significant progress was made overnight, but local authorities urged caution as a new heatwave is set to hit the area. 'Efforts will focus on securing the perimeter, monitoring for new hotspots and cooling the areas to keep control of the fire,' a statement said.

Situation in France

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has delayed going on holiday and remains in Paris to manage the wildfire crisis. Despite clear progress in tackling the blazes, there are continuing concerns over the potential impact of the latest heatwave, starting today.

Weather forecast

Météo-France's forecast shows temperatures up to 39°C near Bordeaux (where the largest wildfire continues to blaze), 38°C in Lyon, 37°C in Paris and Toulouse. In Spain, it will be even hotter: Aemet expects 42°C in Pamplona, 41°C in Cordova and Saragossa, 40°C in Ciudad-Real and Toledo, and 37°C in Madrid.

Heartbreaking pictures

Heartbreaking pictures are emerging of people returning to their homes near Madrid and finding them completely destroyed by the blaze. Photos from Pelayos de la Presa, 65 kilometers west of Madrid, show a man skimming through a book in his burned-out home, and burnt-out vehicles and twisted scrap metal amidst the rubble.

Key events

  • 01Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez says next 12 hours will be decisive.
  • 02Temperatures in high 30s, low 40s expected across France, Spain.
  • 03French PM delays holiday to manage crisis.
  • 04Fire in Castellón burns nearly 10,000 hectares, 10,000 evacuated.
  • 0524,000 evacuees return to homes near Madrid.