New wildfire hits Aranjuez as Spain's Madrid region battles fire wave

New wildfire hits Aranjuez as Spain's Madrid region battles fire wave

In the early hours of 25 July 2026 a new wildfire broke out in Aranjuez, in the area of the Cerro de los Frailes. It comes amid a national emergency over major wildfires in the Community of Madrid, with the state weather agency AEMET warning of a "very high" meteorological risk. It is not the first time: in August 2025, a massive fire in the same area burned through 300 hectares and forced the evacuation of 70 homes in the Valdecasas and Sotomayor estates, although it was brought under control without injuries.

A pattern that repeats itself

Both fires share the same location and drought conditions, but they also coincide with solar panel installation projects that involved uprooting centuries-old olive trees between La Montaña and Colmenar de Oreja. The coincidence has not gone unnoticed by those who see the fires as a swift and incivil way to accelerate land-use change.

Fire or business?

While the authorities urge caution, suspicion is growing that at least some of these blazes were no accident. The question of why they start at night — or are they set at night? — hangs over the debate. Official data point to natural causes, but the track record and the economic interests at stake invite a more sceptical reading.

The Aranjuez fire is not an isolated case. It is part of a chain of fires scattered across the region which, according to AEMET, make the situation "impossible to control". Meanwhile, speculation over the land continues. The uncomfortable question: who benefits from the ashes?