A massive fire tore through a historic building’s rooftop on Madrid’s iconic Gran Vía tonight, forcing dramatic evacuations and drawing hundreds of firefighters to the scene. Officials say the blaze remains uncontrolled, with concerns growing for adjacent landmarks.
Spectators watched in horror as thick smoke billowed from a rooftop along Madrid’s bustling Gran Vía avenue this evening, marking one of the city’s most dramatic emergencies in recent memory. The fire, which erupted around 8:30 PM local time, quickly engulfed the upper floors of a century-old building, sending flames leaping into the night sky and triggering a massive response from emergency services.
Dramatic Start to the Emergency
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the fire took hold. "I heard cracking sounds and then saw flames shooting up from the roof," said local resident Carla Hernández, who was dining at a nearby café. "People started screaming and running as smoke filled the street—it was like something out of a movie." The building, which houses a mix of commercial spaces and residential apartments, is part of Gran Vía’s historic architectural corridor, known for its elaborate early 20th-century facades.
Madrid’s fire department confirmed they received over 150 emergency calls within minutes of the blaze breaking out. "The initial challenge was accessing the rooftop due to the building’s height and the intensity of the flames," said Fire Chief Enrique Díaz in a live briefing. "We’ve deployed 12 ladder trucks and over 80 firefighters, but strong winds are complicating efforts to contain the spread."
Evacuations and Rescue Operations
By 9:15 PM, emergency crews had evacuated over 50 people from the building and adjacent structures, including a popular hotel and several shops. "Our priority is ensuring no one is trapped," Díaz added. "Teams are conducting room-to-room searches, but the smoke and heat are making progress slow." Local police have cordoned off a six-block radius around Gran Vía, diverting traffic and urging residents to avoid the area.
Social media quickly filled with videos of the inferno, with users sharing footage of firefighters scaling ladders against the glowing backdrop. "#GranVíaFire" trended nationwide, as Madrid residents expressed concern for the iconic street’s historic buildings. "This is heart-wrenching—Gran Vía is the soul of our city," tweeted journalist Sara López. "Praying the fire doesn’t spread to other landmarks."
Concerns for Historic Structures and Cause Under Investigation
Among the biggest worries is the fire’s proximity to other protected buildings along Gran Vía, including the iconic Metropolis Building and the Cervantes Theatre. "We’re using thermal imaging to monitor adjacent rooftops for heat transfer," said Díaz. "So far, no secondary fires have been reported, but the situation remains volatile."
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, early reports suggest it may have originated in a rooftop mechanical room. "There were recent renovations in the building, so we’re looking into whether electrical work or stored materials could have sparked the blaze," a senior official told reporters on condition of anonymity. The building’s owner, a local real estate firm, has yet to comment.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, visited the command center and praised the emergency services’ rapid response. "This is a test of our city’s resilience, but I’m confident in our firefighters’ expertise," he said. The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter for displaced residents, while local businesses are providing water and supplies to emergency personnel.
As of midnight, the fire was still not fully contained, but officials said they had "stabilized the perimeter." The coming hours will be critical, with crews working to prevent embers from igniting new fires. For now, Madrid remains on edge, united in support of the firefighters battling the blaze—and hoping their historic avenue will survive the night.Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.