Spanish firefighters continued efforts on Saturday to contain major wildfires burning near Madrid, as officials warned that changing wind conditions could intensify the blaze.

Around 63,000 people have either evacuated their homes or been instructed to remain indoors, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry, after what authorities described as the worst wildfire ever recorded in the region.

Thick gray smoke spread across western Madrid, while the smell of burning vegetation reached the city center.

As temperatures dropped, the central government’s representative in Madrid, Francisco Martín, said late Friday that there was now "a real opportunity" to bring the wildfire under control with a strong chance of success.

He said cooler temperatures, lighter winds, and higher humidity had improved conditions for firefighting efforts.

Difficult Day Ahead

Martín warned, however, that Saturday would be "difficult," with stronger and shifting winds expected during the morning, increasing the risk of further fire spread.

Carlos Novillo, head of emergency services for the Madrid regional government, said on Friday that the wildfire had "reached its peak" and was impossible to extinguish immediately.

Two separate wildfires merged on Friday into a single massive blaze that nearly combined with a third fire burning in the neighboring Castile and León region.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was scheduled to attend a rescue coordination meeting on Saturday morning in the village of Cenicientos, located at the center of the affected area, before addressing the media.