Spain's wildfires: Sánchez visits Castellón as dangerous heat wave looms

Health: over 1,300 treatments in Madrid

Sermas, Madrid's health service, has provided over 1,300 treatments since the fires began: 285 in primary care, 217 in hospitals — primarily respiratory issues. Eighteen people have been hospitalized, none in serious condition.

Summa 112 also carried out 216 medical assists and 36 hospital transfers.

On July 27, the Community of Madrid reopened health centers in Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, and Pelayos de la Presa, which had been closed due to the fires. The Valdemaqueda center had to close again following the evacuation of the village.

France: 42,000 hectares near Bordeaux

A major wildfire started on July 23, 2026 in southwest France, burning 42,000 hectares. It is located 15 km from Bordeaux. During the night of Sunday July 26 to Monday July 27, it showed fewer active zones but remained unstable — with no new evacuations for the first time since Friday July 24.

Renewal of firefighting fleet

Hugo Morán, Spain's Secretary of State for the Environment, announced on July 27, 2026 that Spain will receive 7 new amphibious aircraft between 2028 and 2031. These aircraft are part of a joint order of 20 planes placed with France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Croatia, with support from the European Commission.

Spain began its fleet renewal in 2018. The manufacturer required a minimum order of 20 aircraft to reopen its production line, which had been closed since 2015. This threshold was only met in 2023, thanks to the agreement among the six countries.

What remains uncertain

The evolution of the wildfires in the coming hours depends on the incoming heat wave. Available information does not specify the exact dates or expected intensity of this heat wave.

Summa 112 is cited in health reports without an independently verified institutional definition being integrated into this article.

FAQ

26 July 2026 at 23:22

27 July 2026 at 15:32