MADRID, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Military Emergency Response Unit (UME) has been deployed to assist firefighters battling a rapidly spreading wildfire in the province of Avila, northwest of Madrid.

The blaze broke out just before midnight on Monday near the municipality of Cuevas del Valle and quickly advanced toward the nearby village of Mombeltran, forcing the evacuation of 50 residents. Aircraft, helicopters, and ground crews are working to bring the flames under control, according to the regional government of Castilla y Leon.

This region has seen similar devastation in the past. A wildfire 16 years ago burned 5,000 hectares and claimed two lives.

Residents have been urged to stay indoors and follow official instructions. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities say strong winds fueled its rapid spread, and early signs point to possible arson.

Castilla y Leon President Alfonso Fernandez Manueco took to social media to thank emergency crews and pledged to "provide all necessary resources to extinguish the fire as soon as possible."

The Avila wildfire is among several major blazes currently affecting Spain. On Monday, a separate fire near Puertollano in central Spain temporarily halted high-speed rail service between Madrid and Andalusia after burning roughly 180 hectares. Meanwhile, on the island of Tenerife, about 70 residents were evacuated from Santiago del Teide as flames consumed 60 hectares of hillside.

So far this year, wildfires have scorched approximately 37,000 hectares across Spain, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. A wet spring delayed the start of fire season but left behind dense undergrowth -- now dried out and highly flammable amid strong summer winds. ■