Train services between Madrid and Galicia are halted due to the forest fires in Ourense, as announced by Renfe.
High-speed Train Services Disrupted by Wildfires in Galicia
The high-speed railway service between Madrid and Galicia has been indefinitely suspended due to the ongoing wildfires in the region, particularly on the railway section between Puebla de Sanabria and Ourense. The suspension, which took effect on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, was initiated after a forest fire originated between the municipalities of A Mezquita and A Gudín in Ourense[6][7].
The wildfires in Ourense have proven challenging to contain, as the mountainous terrain and extensive forested areas have been severely affected. As a result, the suspension of the service remains in place to ensure the safety of passengers and emergency services working on the firefighting efforts[1].
To facilitate the displacement of affected passengers, Renfe has put 65 buses into operation to cover the affected stretch between Zamora and Puebla de Sanabria-Ourense[1]. Embarkation of passengers has begun in key stations such as Vigo and A Coruña, with destinations including Madrid and stopovers in Ourense[2].
Renfe has also made arrangements for special trains to transport passengers who have not been able to travel. The company has secured 176 hotel rooms in a hotel in the capital for passengers with special needs and distributed 1,000 travel bags, food, and supplies in Chamartín on Wednesday[3].
The autonomous authorities in Ourense have maintained the level 2 of emergency in the entire province, with several villages evacuated or destroyed due to the fires. Over 3,500 hectares in the Ourense municipality of Chandrexa de Queixa have burned, and the fires have tragically led to multiple fatalities and injuries[4].
To further support the displacement of passengers with special needs, Renfe has put 6 buses and 14 taxis into operation[5]. As of late August 2025, the forest fires between Puebla de Sanabria and Ourense continue to disrupt the railway service[1][4].
The 112 of Galicia authorized the resumption of the service after a satisfactory track inspection, and the high-speed railway service between Madrid and Galicia was resumed at approximately 10:00 hours on Thursday, August 14, 2025[6]. Adif maintains the suspension of the railway service in the affected area until the direction of the extinction of the fires registered in Zamora and Ourense, with the guarantee of the passage of trains with full safety[6]. Renfe prioritizes the safety of passengers and emergency services working on fire extinction efforts.
Sources: 1. El País 2. El Mundo 3. Renfe 4. Cadena SER 5. La Voz de Galicia 6. El Diario Montañés
