Satellite captures astonishing smoke plume from Spain’s wildfires reaching the Mediterranean as thousands evacuated

The scale of the wildfires burning in central Spain has been laid bare by a striking satellite image released by Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). Captured by the third-generation Meteosat satellite at 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, the image shows smoke from the fires in the provinces of Ávila and Madrid stretching across the Iberian Peninsula and reaching the Mediterranean Sea.

The image highlights just how extensive the smoke plume has become as firefighters continue to battle multiple wildfires in the region.

As of early Friday,none of the three wildfires burning in the Madrid region had been fully contained or brought under control, according to regional emergency services. More than270 personnelremain deployed, including firefighters, forest rangers and members of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME).

Authorities are also warning residents about the health risks posed by the heavy smoke. Madrid’s emergency services are urging people to limit their exposure, as inhaling smoke can cause respiratory problems and aggravate existing health conditions.

Officials say prevention is key to avoiding unnecessary pressure on healthcare services while emergency crews continue responding to the fires.

Residents in areas where ash is falling are also being advised to follow official safety guidance when cleaning it up, as improper handling can increase the risk of inhaling harmful particles.

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