A fire in a Madrid suburb prompted rapid responses from emergency services after authorities say the blaze began in an occupied building. Initial reports indicate that the clock was deliberately set or opened earlier than normal this Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of more than 15 families totaling around 70 residents from a property located at 13 Calle Real in Collado Villalba, within the Madrid region.
Nine people, including a baby, required medical attention on site for respiratory irritation and smoke exposure. Four individuals were admitted to Summa 112 facilities with mild smoke inhalation and were moved to Puerta de Hierro hospital in Majadahonda, while three others were transported to Collado Villalba hospital for evaluation and care.
Two additional neighbors were discharged at the scene after assessment by emergency responders.
Judicial Police officers were on site as investigators from the Madrid Civil Guard conducted the first inspection and noted three distinct sources of ignition within the property. Official statements from a Madrid Civil Guard spokesperson reported to EFE that samples were being collected to determine if accelerants were involved, and the prevailing hypothesis remains arson as the most plausible explanation thus far.
The fire was reported at approximately 7:30 in the morning, just before dawn, and prompted a coordinated response from multiple fire brigades in the Community of Madrid along with several Summa 112 units. Fire crews worked to rescue individuals trapped in the building and to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining units.
A witness recruited by EFE described to Telemadrid that there were multiple ignition points within the building, a detail that prompted investigators to consider deliberate ignition as part of the incident.
Local political groups, including Unidas por Collado Villalba, have issued statements suggesting the property, abandoned and owned by Sareb, was occupied by more than 15 families in a highly vulnerable state. They argue that this vulnerability has been worsened by recent statements from political figures at the municipal level and call on authorities to provide housing solutions as a matter of social justice rather than mere charity. The critique emphasizes the need for immediate and decisive action by the city administration to address housing rights and safety for residents living in occupied properties in similar conditions. The broader concern centers on protecting residents from risk while ensuring access to safe, stable housing in the aftermath of the incident.
Official updates note that investigators will continue to examine the scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to determine the sequence of events leading to the fire. In the meantime, the affected families face a difficult period of displacement and uncertainty as authorities assess damages and determine next steps for housing and support.
For residents in Collado Villalba and neighboring communities, the incident has raised questions about urban housing policy, the balance between property rights and safety, and the role of social support networks in preventing similar emergencies in the future. Local observers emphasize the importance of robust fire safety measures, rapid emergency response, and transparent communication from officials when dealing with occupied homes and vulnerable populations. This episode is likely to influence ongoing discussions about housing security, emergency readiness, and the responsibility of property owners and public agencies to protect residents while addressing the complex realities of urban occupancy in the region.