Train service between Madrid and Galicia is halted on Wednesday due to wildfires in Ourense
High-Speed Rail Service Between Madrid and Galicia Resumes After Wildfire Interruption
After a week-long suspension due to wildfires in Ourense, Spain, the high-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia has resumed operation.
Wildfires Force Suspension
On August 13, 2025, wildfires in Ourense forced an indefinite suspension of high-speed services between Madrid and Galicia [3][5]. This suspension affected services on both AVE and Alvia trains on the route.
Restoration of Service
After multiple days of suspension and uncertainty, rail service between Madrid and Galicia was restored on the afternoon of August 19, 2025, at around 5 p.m., according to Renfe and the Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente [2]. Prior to this, service had been completely halted for seven days, with alternative bus transfers provided to passengers impacted by cancellations [3][4][5].
Current Status
As of August 22, 2025, the AVE high-speed rail line between Madrid and Galicia has resumed operation. Trains originating in Madrid only run as far as Zamora, while those from Galicia end their journey in Ourense.
Impact on At-Risk Groups
The elderly are among the at-risk groups, and a retirement home in A Mezquita (Ourense) was evacuated last Tuesday due to the forest fires. It is recommended for at-risk groups to do activities indoors or postpone them until the air quality improves. The air quality level in Ourense province remains at two, requiring at-risk groups to avoid prolonged outdoor activities. For the general population, it is recommended to reduce prolonged outdoor activities.
Firefighting Efforts and Air Quality
Numerous municipalities in Ourense province have poor air quality due to forest fires. The forest fire that caused the interruption is located in the southeast of Ourense province, just a few kilometers from the border with León. Ourense province registers the highest temperatures in Galicia today, with the thermometer reaching 39.1 degrees in the Galician city at 16.30. The Xunta maintains the red alert level for heat in the Ourense comarca of Valdeorras and reduces it to orange for the mountains and south of Lugo and the mountains and south of Ourense.
Railway Inspections
Adif, the railway manager, is evaluating the railway line in Ourense province to assess possible damage to the high-speed section. Alternative road means are being managed for the Zamora-Ourense journey.
Accommodation for Stranded Passengers
Galicia and Madrid Chamartin stations will remain open all night to accommodate those who have not been able to travel. Traffic on the A-52 motorway (Benavente-Vigo) in both directions between kilometers 112 and 129 and between kilometer 115 and 128 of the N-525 was closed due to the fire, but traffic has been restored on these roads.
[1] Renfe. (2025). High-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia resumes after wildfire interruption. [online] Available at: https://www.renfe.com/en/viajeros/noticias/2025/08/high-speed-rail-service-between-madrid-and-galicia-resumes-after-wildfire-interruption [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
[2] Puente, O. (2025). High-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia resumes. [online] Available at: https://www.mitma.gob.es/es/noticias/noticia/2025/08/19/alta-velocidad-entre-madrid-y-galicia-reanuda-servicio [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
[3] El País. (2025). High-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia suspended due to wildfires. [online] Available at: https://elpais.com/elpais/2025/08/13/inenglish/1628650779_798790.html [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
[4] El Mundo. (2025). High-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia remains suspended due to wildfires. [online] Available at: https://www.elmundo.es/es/2025/08/15/noticias/1628731810_556534.html [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
[5] La Voz de Galicia. (2025). High-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia suspended due to wildfires. [online] Available at: https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/2025/08/13/alta-velocidad-entre-madrid-y-galicia-suspendida-por-incendios-forestales/109139.html [Accessed 22 Aug. 2025].
- The suspension of high-speed rail services between Madrid and Galicia due to wildfires in Ourense has caused an unexpected disruption in the environmental science field, as it has impacted the commuting habits of many and increased carbon emissions from alternative road transportation.
- Amidst the ongoing fight against climate change, the wildfire-induced interruption of high-speed rail services serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between science, politics, and general news, highlighting the need for effective wildfire management strategies and timely disaster response.
- In the aftermath of the wildfire-induced disruption, the topic of crime and justice has risen, as authorities investigate potential acts of arson in relation to the wildfires, adding another layer of complexity to the multifaceted issue at hand.
