Gonzalo Miró halts live broadcast to pull TVE reporter from wildfire danger in Navas del Rey
During a live link from the wildfire-ravaged town of Navas del Rey, TVE reporter Tania Garralda found herself encircled by advancing flames and thick smoke. Presenter Gonzalo Miró interrupted the programme, ordering her to abandon the area for her safety.
Wildfires engulf towns in Madrid and Ávila
A series of intense wildfires swept across the Community of Madrid, Toledo and Ávila on 24 July 2026, driven by strong winds that made the flames impossible to contain. In Navas del Rey, one of the hardest-hit municipalities, the situation deteriorated rapidly. By Friday afternoon, more than 20,000 people had been evacuated from a single affected zone, and the Emergency Military Unit (UME) itself pulled back from areas where firefighting conditions became untenable.
A reporter surrounded by smoke and flames
TVE's Directo al grano, hosted by Martín Barreiro and Gonzalo Miró, had dedicated its broadcast to tracking the fire's evolution. Tania Garralda was reporting live from Navas del Rey when the environment turned hostile. Thick smoke blanketed the scene, ash fell onto the equipment, and the reporter struggled to keep her eyes open and speak through her mask.
The situation is extremely complicated right now. Just look around: smoke is starting to engulf everything and we have to take shelter. Ash is falling on our heads. We're alone. Everyone has already been evacuated.
Miró cuts the broadcast to demand her withdrawal
As a second live connection began, the threat intensified. Flames were drawing nearer and the UME had already left the immediate area because of the grave impact smoke was having on breathing and eyesight. From the studio, Gonzalo Miró abandoned his presenter role and addressed Garralda directly.
Tania, thank you very much for the information, but please get out of there. It's not worth being so close to the smoke. Get out of there and we'll connect with you again later.
Garralda had been told by emergency personnel to leave quickly, telling viewers that smoke and flames were closing in. After Miró's instruction, she withdrew from the location.
- Directo al grano starts following the wildfires across Madrid and Ávila.
- Tania Garralda reports from Navas del Rey with difficulty as smoke invades the area.
- Flames draw closer; the UME has already left and Garralda is told to evacuate quickly.
- Gonzalo Miró orders Garralda off air to escape the danger.
- Pedro Sánchez thanks media at the wildfire command post.
After the broadcast
On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from the wildfire command post, thanked the media for their public-service work in dangerous conditions. The Navas del Rey connection became a stark example of the risks journalists faced while reporting on what the prime minister described as a high-risk emergency affecting thousands of citizens.
