Fire at WiZink Center Forces Evacuation During Madrid Oktoberfest
An incident at the WiZink Center in Madrid led to a temporary evacuation on the final day of Madrid Oktoberfest. Firefighters from Madrid, along with municipal police and city council crews, responded after a fire damaged a loudspeaker and a portion of the display screen on the venue’s roof. The event, which had drawn thousands to the arena, was halted as emergency responders moved quickly to secure the area, ensure pedestrian safety, and guide attendees to exits.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 22:15 when a fire was reported at the venue. Firefighters confirmed that the blaze affected a speaker and a portion of the roof screen, with initial efforts focused on preventing the fire from spreading and protecting nearby equipment. Ground crews supported the scene as the fire was brought under control.
Two workers from Sable-Civil Protection were treated on-site for smoke inhalation and subsequently released. Their injuries were minor, and they did not require further medical care.
The final day of Madrid Oktoberfest was suspended after the evacuation. The organizers described the evacuation as orderly and efficient, noting that attendees exited within five minutes and without any signs of panic. The swift response discouraged disruption beyond the immediate area of the incident, and the venue remained closed to operations pending a full safety assessment.
During the disruption, one of the performing groups had been scheduled to participate in a traditional beer celebration. The event was paused as authorities assessed the situation and confirmed that it was safe to proceed with any further plans for the night’s program.
Among the attendees was Marta Rivera de la Cruz, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports, who was present at the Oktoberfest session. The WiZink Center is owned by an entity aligned with the Community of Madrid, and officials stated that the venue would hold until a complete resolution of the incident could be verified. A comprehensive review of safety measures is expected as part of the post-incident procedures.
The organizers indicated there are plans to reschedule a concert for this market period, pending a full safety clearance and coordination with city authorities. Local authorities will continue to monitor the site and provide updates as they become available [official statements from Emergency Situations Madrid and the WiZink Center].