Spanish Government Approves Wildfire Relief Allowance for Workers and Emergency Housing

• The Spanish government is introducing a special allowance to cover the full salary and social security contributions of workers unable to attend their jobs due to wildfires, evacuations, or lockdowns, effective from the first day.
• Over 170,000 hectares have been burned by wildfires in Spain so far this year, a figure six times higher than in 2025.
• The Community of Madrid has announced a €30 million emergency housing plan to assist families affected by fires in the Sierra Oeste region.

Government Labor Measures

• The new royal decree covers situations such as evacuations, confinement, loss of housing, or lack of basic services.
• Unlike previous climate-related permits where companies covered the first four days, the state will now assume all costs from the beginning.
• Bereavement leave for climate-related emergency deaths will be extended by five additional days.

Regional Impact and Response

• Approximately 90,000 people are currently evacuated or confined across Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo, with 77,000 hectares affected.
• Over 16,000 people have been evacuated in the Vall d’Uixó area in Castellón.
• Madrid’s housing plan includes temporary relocation, up to 100% coverage of rent for inhabitable homes, and reconstruction grants.

Policy Background and Controversies

• In January, the High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) condemned the regional government for diverting €40 million intended for fire prevention into operational expenses like vehicle leasing and payroll.
• The Generalitat Valenciana has faced criticism for failing to announce specific investment plans while simultaneously doubling funding for the bullfighting sector to over €1 million in its latest budget.