The wildfire situation in Cantabria and Asturias over the past 24 hours has become one of the most pressing issues for residents of Spain. More than 60 fire outbreaks have been reported in these regions within a single day, prompting emergency measures and the mobilization of all available resources. Authorities warn: risks remain extremely high, and the consequences could impact not only the environment, but also the economy, transportation, and public health.
In Cantabria, 36 fires are still raging, affecting several municipalities, including Arenas de Iguña, Vega de Pas, Liérganes, and Los Corrales de Buelna. According to Ale Espanol, the regional government was forced to declare a state of heightened alert and activate the second level of their fire response plan. If the situation worsens, military personnel from the UME special unit may be deployed to assist with firefighting.
Night alarm
The night from Tuesday to Wednesday became a real trial for firefighters and local residents. In Cantabria, up to 40 fire outbreaks were being monitored at once, and the smell of smoke spread across the entire region. By morning, the number of active fires had slightly decreased, but the threat of new flare-ups remains due to weather conditions: air temperatures reach 25 degrees, humidity is minimal, and a southern wind is only fanning the flames.
Authorities in Cantabria have all units on high alert as the threat level remains at its maximum. The most affected municipalities include Santiurde de Toranzo, Lamasón, Selaya, Saro, Ruente, Molledo, Cieza, Anievas, Santiurde de Reinosa, Villacarriedo, Herrerías, Cayón, and Luena. In each of these areas, firefighters and volunteers are working non-stop to prevent the fire from spreading to homes and infrastructure.
The Asturian front
Tensions also remain high in neighboring Asturias, where 20 wildfires are active across various municipalities: Quirós, Mieres, Cangas del Narcea, Cangas de Onís, Grandas de Salime, Amieva, Langreo, Piloña, Grado, Laviana, Ibias, San Martín del Rey Aurelio, and Cabrales. On Tuesday evening, regional authorities declared the first phase of the emergency plan INFOPA, allowing all local resources to be mobilized in the fight against the fires.
Firefighting teams and equipment are operating around the clock. In some areas, the flames have reached the outskirts of populated zones, sparking concern among residents. According to Ale Espanol, the main cause behind the scale of these fires is believed to be intentional arson, carried out by so-called ‘arsonists with lighters.’
Causes and consequences
Experts note that these widespread arson attacks come amid abnormally warm and dry weather, making forests particularly vulnerable. Authorities warn that if weather conditions do not improve, the situation could spiral out of control. Smoke from the fires is already present in dozens of towns, and emergency services are preparing for possible resident evacuations from the most at-risk areas.
Wildfires in northern regions of Spain are not a new phenomenon. In recent years, similar incidents have been recorded in Galicia and León, where states of emergency were also declared. In 2024, a comparable wave of arson resulted in massive forest losses and the temporary evacuation of several villages. According to experts, the combination of human factors and adverse weather conditions remains the main threat to the ecosystem of northern Spain.
