Train services between Galicia and Madrid resume following a fire-induced halt in Ourense.
Wildfire Disruption Causes Indefinite Suspension of Madrid-Galicia High-Speed Rail Services
A multi-point wildfire that broke out in the province of Ourense, Spain, has led to the indefinite suspension of high-speed rail services between Madrid and Galicia. The fire, which started around August 13, has severely threatened railway infrastructure and nearby communities, forcing Renfe to halt AVE and Alvia services on this route.
The disruption has resulted in a complete halt to high-speed train traffic between the two cities, lasting for nearly a week as of August 20. Temporary shuttle bus services have been arranged to aid passengers during this time.
This suspension is part of a wider crisis involving over 20 active forest fires across multiple Spanish regions, including Castilla y León, Galicia, Extremadura, and others. The fires have caused the closure of key roads and transportation routes in the area, complicating travel further.
The wildfires are part of a large wave of forest fires during the summer of 2025, likely exacerbated by extreme heat and drought conditions linked to climate change. Over 100 suspected arsonists have been identified in connection with these fires, which have caused fatalities, injuries, and widespread evacuations. The involvement of suspected arson suggests deliberate ignition as a factor in the ignition and spread of multiple fires impacting the rail corridor.
As of now, no specific date has been confirmed for the resumption of normal service. Renfe has announced an indefinite suspension, meaning service will only resume once authorities declare the area safe and infrastructure inspections confirm that rail lines are intact and operational. Given the unpredictable nature of wildfire containment and potential damage, this suspension may continue for an extended period until the fire situation is fully under control.
The Galician Government has declared a Level 2 emergency situation in Ourense province due to the fires. Active fires in Ourense include those in Requeixo, Chandrexa de Queixa, Santiso, Maceda, A Mezquita, and Cartelle. Power cuts have been requested on certain stretches of the railway to aid firefighting efforts.
Renfe has arranged a dozen buses to allow passengers on the Madrid Chamartín AVE to continue their journey to their destination. The Madrid Chamartín AVE, which departed from Chamartín at 11:17 hours, was stopped in Taboadela due to the incident and is now heading back to A Gudina station to be transferred.
This disruption is among the most severe rail interruptions in Spain due to wildfires in 2025 and reflects broader climate-driven risks to transportation infrastructure in the region. Renfe will provide a special shuttle train between Madrid and Zamora (and vice versa) with stops in Segovia and Medina del Campo for affected passengers. The Madrid-Chamartín AVE, which departed from Chamartín at 11:17 hours, was stopped in Taboadela due to the incident and is now heading back to A Gudina station to be transferred.
References:
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- El País
- Renfe
- Euronews
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