On Monday evening, a major wildfire broke out near Tres Cantos, north of Madrid, engulfing more than 2,000 hectares. The fire spread rapidly due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. As a result, over 180 residents were evacuated, while local emergency services worked urgently to contain the blaze.
One of the first to spot the flames was 50-year-old Mircea Spiridon. On his way home, he saw the fire and, without hesitation, turned back toward the equestrian center where dozens of animals were kept. Mircea did not work at this farm but knew that there might be horses inside, so he decided to help despite the danger.
While most people were leaving the danger zone, Mircea entered the burning building to try to rescue 22 horses. At that moment, he called his wife to say he was heading in to help, as the fire had already reached the area. Shortly afterward, contact with him was lost.
Two family friends set out to look for Mircea and found him still alive, but with severe burns. He was airlifted by the Guardia Civil helicopter and taken to the hospital, but could not be saved — he passed away the following morning. According to his wife, Mircea managed to say goodbye to his family by phone, expressing his love and fear for his life.
The fire also affected the owner of the equestrian center, 83-year-old Miguel de las Heras, who sustained a chest injury and was hospitalized. His life is not in danger.
The death of Mircea Spiridon marked the first casualty in this wave of fires sweeping across Spain. The wooden and lightweight structures of the center quickly burned down, and weather conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire — in just 40 minutes, the flames traveled six kilometers.
Immediately after the tragedy, the Romanian community in Spain organized a fundraiser to return Mircea’s body to his homeland, in the city of Tulcea in eastern Romania. Within 16 hours, they managed to raise the 13,000 euros needed for repatriation. The Spiridon family moved to Spain in 2007 in search of a better life. Mircea was a mechanic, learned the trade from his father, worked in various workshops, and eventually started his own business. Several years ago, his workshop burned down, forcing him to start over. Lately, he had been working for a transport company.
Mircea is survived by his wife and two sons — 19-year-old Mario and 14-year-old Gabi. He dreamed of passing on his skills to them, but now, according to his widow, neither of them will continue the family trade.
The tragedy sparked a strong response in Tres Cantos. The association “Rumânii împreună” and local residents organized support campaigns for the victim’s family. A donation point has been set up in a local café and will remain open through the end of August. Mircea is remembered as a caring and kind person, always willing to lend a hand.
On social media, friends and acquaintances are expressing their condolences and sharing stories of his kindness and zest for life. The Spiridon family is going through a difficult time, and the widow is preparing to give testimony as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.
The fire in Tres Cantos served as a reminder of the fragility of life and how a single action can change the fate of many. Mircea Spiridon will be remembered by local residents as someone who was not afraid to take risks to save others.
