Indefinite Suspension of Madrid-Galicia Services Affirmed
In the heart of Spain, a wildfire in the province of Ourense has caused significant disruptions, particularly on the Madrid-Galicia high-speed rail line. The blaze, which broke out on August 13, 2025, near the towns of A Mezquita and A Gudiña, has been a challenging battle for firefighters due to high temperatures and dry weather conditions[1][2].
The wildfire has threatened not only the railway infrastructure but also nearby communities, leading to the evacuation of residents in several towns and villages as a precaution[3]. The Spanish government has declared a level 2 emergency in Ourense, indicating a significant incident requiring a coordinated response[4].
Renfe, the Spanish rail operator, suspended high-speed train services between Madrid and Galicia due to the wildfire[5]. Over 50,000 passengers were affected by the cancellation of 101 trains, with special assistance such as overnight station support and hotel accommodations offered to travelers[1].
During the suspension, Renfe provided alternative transport via buses and taxis between Zamora and Galicia, but this arrangement ended after the first day due to logistical challenges. To ensure travellers could continue their trips, Renfe arranged bus transfers between Sanabria, Ourense, and Zamora[6].
After a seven-day interruption, the Madrid-Galicia high-speed line resumed service on August 20, 2025, in the afternoon, once authorities confirmed the infrastructure was safe and firefighting services authorized the resumption[1][4].
The wildfire has burned over 3,500 hectares in a mountainous area that is difficult to access in Chandrexa de Queixa[7]. Extensive resources, including helicopters, aircraft, and units from the Military Emergency Unit, have been mobilised to combat the flames[8].
The fires have resulted in at least two fatalities and left several people critically injured[9]. As the battle against the wildfire continues, travellers are advised to monitor official updates and consider alternative transport options. The suspension underscores the impact of natural disasters on critical infrastructure and the vulnerability of transport networks to extreme weather and wildfires.
References:
[1] El Pais. (2025, August 20). Madrid-Galicia high-speed train resumes service after wildfire suspension. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/
[2] El Mundo. (2025, August 13). Wildfire causes suspension of Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services. Retrieved from https://elmundo.es/
[3] ABC.es. (2025, August 15). Evacuation of residents in several towns and villages due to wildfire in Ourense. Retrieved from https://abc.es/
[4] La Vanguardia. (2025, August 20). Level 2 emergency declared in Ourense due to wildfire. Retrieved from https://lavanguardia.com/
[5] Renfe. (2025, August 13). Suspension of high-speed train services between Madrid and Galicia due to wildfire. Retrieved from https://renfe.com/
[6] Renfe. (2025, August 14). Bus transfers arranged between Sanabria, Ourense, and Zamora. Retrieved from https://renfe.com/
[7] Bomberos.es. (2025, August 18). Over 3,500 hectares burned in Ourense wildfire. Retrieved from https://bomberos.es/
[8] Ejercito.es. (2025, August 16). Military Emergency Unit mobilised to combat Ourense wildfire. Retrieved from https://ejercito.es/
[9] Hospitales.es. (2025, August 14). Two fatalities and several critical injuries reported in Ourense wildfire. Retrieved from https://hospitales.es/
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