A wildfire near Madrid has forced the evacuation of approximately 700 residents, burning around 13,000 hectares of land.The blaze, which broke out on Thursday, is being tackled by 300 firefighters supported by 26 water-dropping aircraft.

Regional authorities described the fire as 'difficult' due to its location in a forested mountainous area, including the Sierra Norte Natural Park, home to endangered species like eagles and wolves.The incident follows another wildfire near Zaragoza that displaced 1,000 people, though that fire was contained with improved weather conditions.Spain has faced increasing wildfire risks due to prolonged heatwaves linked to climate change, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C.Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is intensifying heatwaves, drying vegetation, and raising wildfire risks.

The current fire has not caused casualties, but authorities emphasize the need for continued monitoring and resource allocation to protect both human lives and ecosystems.