Wildfire evacuees found refuge in a large gym in Villaviciosa de Odon, some 30 kilometres (19 miles) from home in the capital's suburbs.

Civil Guard officers, firefighters and the Military Emergency Unit battle fierce wildfires near Madrid, with more than 10,000 people evacuated amid extreme heat.

The wildfire, fuelled by high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds, has forced thousands of people from their homes in communities west of Madrid, leaving residents…