Air quality in the Community of Madrid is being affected on Tuesday by the fire that started on Monday afternoon in Tres Cantos and the presence of an African air mass that could affect the health of the population, especially the most vulnerable.

According to information provided by the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), dust concentrations at surface level between 5 and 200 micrograms/cubic metre could be recorded in the central area of the Iberian Peninsula during this day, a situation that will continue on Wednesday.

The expected entry of African air, with concentrations of dust on the surface, may affect the health of the population, especially the most vulnerable. In this regard, Madrid Health advises the population to avoid outdoor physical exercise and, if they experience respiratory difficulty, to go to a health center or call 112. Furthermore, in order to reduce particle levels in the ambient air, the population is recommended to use public transport.

Likewise, as a result of the fire in Tres Cantos, which remains active and under control, the emergency services have asked residents of nearby towns to close doors and windows due to the dense smoke and possible wind changes, in addition to avoiding the area as much as possible.

Specifically, homes in nearby towns and municipalities are asked to close doors and windows and turn off air conditioning equipment that blows air from outside, especially if there is a population at risk or with respiratory pathology in the home.

It is also recommended to move away from the fire, facing downwind and away from the smoke, and to seek safe areas such as firebreaks, rivers, roads, or already burned areas. In case of evacuation, it is recommended to have a backpack ready with essentials such as medication, documents, and essential items.