Sánchez highlights the "favorable evolution" of the fires, but warns that the heat could complicate the situation: "The next twelve hours will be decisive"

After the devastating havoc caused by the fires in the provinces of Ávila and Madrid, which have left more than 86,000 people evacuated or confined, the situation "continues to be favorable". This was stated by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, this Wednesday morning, from the advanced command post in Navalcarnero, accompanied by the Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the operational commander of the UME, General Francisco Javier Marcos. There, the leader of the Executive made it clear that the priority is "to save lives" and protect all people in the affected areas. 

Sánchez celebrated that the situation is stabilizing and assured that work continues on containing fires and cooling areas to prevent outbreaks in the stabilized foci. However, he emphasized the need to take extreme precautions so that the situation does not worsen. "We are already in a new heatwave, which means there will be high temperatures, less humidity, and we will see how the wind gusts evolve," he declared. 

The president confirmed that there are currently 10 active fires in the country and, given the seriousness of this situation, he once again insisted on a State pact, stating that "he will not tire of reiterating it" despite its rejection by the opposition. Likewise, Sánchez described the management and collaboration between the Government and administrations as "positive", thanking them for their "team spirit".  "Our only enemy is fire and our main priority is to save lives and population centers," he stressed. 

He also asked the community that has had to be evacuated to have "patience" and trust in the institutions, assuring that everything is being done so that the relocation is carried out "with the maximum guarantees".  In addition, he recommended that they inform themselves about the situation through official channels, to avoid falling into "the hoaxes" spread by some media outlets. To the latter, he entrusted them with "fighting against disinformation" that generates anxiety and distress among the population.