Health minister tells Madrid to stay indoors as wildfire smoke pushes PM2.5 far above WHO limits

What happened

Wildfires across the Madrid region and Ávila province have sent thick smoke across central Spain. On Saturday 25 July, Madrid awoke to a brown-tinted sky and a smell of burning, with an intrusion of African air masses compounding the pollution. The fires remain active and have burned between 13,000 and 15,000 hectares in Ávila province. Madrid lies more than 70 kilometres from the blazes in the northern sierra, yet the capital is experiencing serious air quality deterioration. Temperature in the city will not exceed 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Due to the fires, the air quality in Madrid today is not good, with PM2.5 values far above those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health warnings

García urged residents to avoid staying outdoors and to refrain from physical activity in the open air. She recommended FFP2 or N95 masks and protective eyewear for anyone who must go outside. People experiencing breathing difficulties, chest pain, or shortness of breath should seek medical attention. The minister also stressed that special care should be directed toward vulnerable individuals nearby. The Government Delegation in the Madrid Region and Emergencias Madrid issued parallel guidance: stay indoors with doors and windows closed, protect children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, stay hydrated, drink water frequently, and wear long sleeves to shield skin and eyes.

If you leave home and there is smoke or ash, use an FFP2/N95 mask and glasses to protect your eyes. Seek medical attention if you notice breathing problems, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Pay special attention to vulnerable people around you. Stay informed through official sources and follow the instructions of emergency services.

On the ground

Ten localities have been evacuated and three placed under confinement as the fires continue to burn, according to sources from the Government Delegation in Madrid. Despite the visible smoke and odour, Emergencias 112 of the Madrid Region stated there is no acute health risk. However, the agency recommended reducing outdoor activity, particularly for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with existing illnesses. Many residents and tourists in the capital put masks back on and closed their windows, scenes reminiscent of earlier health crises. Samur-Protección Civil has also issued messages about air quality and wind forecasts.

Health impact of distant smoke

Fine particles from wildfires, measuring less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is about 80 microns thick), can travel hundreds of kilometres and be inhaled even when the air does not smell of smoke. These particles penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart and respiratory system. Health consequences include increased asthma attacks, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, emergency room visits, hospitalisations, and respiratory-related mortality. Wildfire smoke can also contain benzene, formaldehyde, and sulphur dioxide, some of which are highly carcinogenic. The precise composition depends on what has burned: forest, buildings, or vehicles containing chemical substances.

At home and ongoing precautions

Official guidance for households includes keeping the home cool, closing doors and windows to prevent smoke entry, and avoiding sweeping or dusting that disperses particles into the air. Unnecessary travel should be reduced. Authorities recommend staying informed through official channels and following instructions from emergency services. With the fires still active and weather conditions continuing to push smoke toward the capital, agencies stress the need for vigilance, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions.