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The Government prepares aid for municipalities hit by fires
The municipalities affected by the major fires in Madrid, Ávila and Toledo are preparing for a new stage: recovery. The Government will approve at the next Council of Ministers the declaration of the areas affected as seriously damaged by a civil-protection emergency, a measure that will make it possible to mobilise extraordinary aid to repair the damage and speed the return to normality.
The announcement was made by the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, during his visit to the Navaluenga Advanced Command Post in Ávila, accompanied by the President of the Junta de Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, and the Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Sánchez said that 2026 has been one of the toughest years for fires, with almost 150,000 hectares burnt and a season far above that recorded the previous year.
The declaration will make it possible to activate a broad package of aid for individuals, businesses, agricultural holdings and local authorities. The aim is to facilitate the repair of homes and infrastructure, restore public services and support those who have lost part of their activity or assets as a result of the fire.
In Castilla y León, the Junta had already requested this declaration for the affected areas of Ávila. In addition, the regional government has announced that it will join the prosecution in the investigation into the Burgohondo fire, whose cause is attributed to negligence, while working with farmers and livestock breeders to assist damaged holdings and guarantee the food supply for livestock.
Castilla-La Mancha will follow the same path after the major fire declared in Guadalajara. The regional government will also request the declaration of a severely affected area and is considering applying to the European Union Solidarity Fund to cover part of the costs of reconstruction and environmental recovery.
In Madrid, where the fire has disrupted the lives of thousands of residents for several days, the measure provides support for the municipalities that must now repair infrastructure, restore natural areas and help affected families. The priority is no longer solely to contain the flames, but also to rebuild an area that has suffered one of the most serious episodes in recent years.
Recovery will not be immediate. Forests, agricultural holdings, homes and small businesses will need months of work to return to normal. The effect will be felt long after the smoke has disappeared, in municipalities facing the challenge of rebuilding while keeping prevention in view to reduce the impact of future fires.