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Spain's King laments 'incalculable' natural damage from wildfires

Around 75,000 residents have been evacuated from the Madrid region, Avila, Toledo and from the eastern region of Castellon in Valencia.

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Spain's King Felipe VI (C) and Queen Letizia (CR) speak to members of the media after visiting the evacuees from the Madrid wildfire who are sheltered at La Chopera local sports centre in Villamanta on July 26, 2026. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said today difficult hours lay ahead in the fight against the country's wildfires, but officials had seen positive developments in controlling the blazes around Madrid. Around 75,000 people have been displaced by fires around the capital and near the eastern coastal city of Valencia, with strong winds risking spreading the wildfires south. JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

Malika Shahid

2026-07-27 10:29:23

Spain's King Felipe VI on Sunday said wildfires ravaging the countryside around Madrid and other areas had caused "incalculable" damage to the nation's natural heritage.

Around 75,000 residents have been evacuated from the Madrid region, Avila, Toledo and from the eastern region of Castellon in Valencia.

Officials say overnight progress had been made containing the blazes even though difficulties still lay ahead.

"Some have had a very bad time, some have been away from their homes for four days now, some have lost many possessions. Collectively, we have lost an incalculable amount of natural heritage," the king told reporters on a visit to a shelter for those evacuated in Madrid. 

© Agence France-Presse

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