Spain continues to battle large-scale wildfires that have plagued residents across several regions for weeks. The most severe situation persists in Galicia, Castilla y León, Extremadura, and Asturias, where around twenty major fire outbreaks are currently reported.
In recent days, much-needed relief arrived: temperatures have dropped and some areas have seen rain. This has enabled firefighters and emergency crews to more effectively contain the spread of the flames. According to meteorologists, favorable weather conditions for emergency services are expected to continue in the coming hours.
Despite the improved situation, the impact of the fires has been catastrophic. Since mid-August, when a state of heightened alert was declared, more than 33,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. The total area of land burned nationwide has exceeded 400,000 hectares, making this the worst year for wildfires since 2006.
As of Thursday evening, 20 fires classified as particularly dangerous remained active in the country. At the same time, as the flames subside, social and political tensions have grown. Representatives of various parties are blaming each other for ineffective management and inadequate emergency preparedness. In particular, a dispute has erupted between civil protection authorities and the regional governments of Galicia, Castilla y León, and Extremadura.
Among the hardest-hit areas are Asturias, León, Palencia, Zamora, Cáceres, and Ourense. In these provinces, the area of burned land ranges from several thousand to nearly 45,000 hectares. The Environmental and Urban Planning Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation to determine whether there were any violations in the implementation of wildfire prevention plans.
The fires have once again highlighted the problem of rural depopulation: nearly 90% of affected towns have been losing residents over recent decades. In recent days, law enforcement officials have detained 40 people suspected of being involved in starting the fires, while another 119 individuals are under investigation.
In Extremadura, the most challenging situation is observed in the area of Jarilla (Cáceres), where around 17,000 hectares have been destroyed by fire over nine days. Authorities continue to monitor isolated hotspots, including near Salamanca. In Castilla y León, 25 fires remain active, eight of which are considered especially dangerous. However, in some towns, residents have already begun to return home in stages.
In Galicia, where more than 88,000 hectares have burned since the start of the fire season, the situation is gradually stabilizing. In the province of Pontevedra, additional safety measures have been introduced. Regional authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and are preparing plans to reduce the number of personnel involved in firefighting as the hotspots become contained.
In Galicia, protests continue against the authorities’ handling of the wildfires. Demonstrations were held in 26 towns and villages, with participants demanding more effective measures. Particular concern centers on the fire in Larouco, which has already been declared the largest in the region’s history and now threatens the O Courel natural park, a UNESCO-protected area. Over 30,000 hectares have burned here, and further fire spread is expected.
In Asturias, rainfall has helped reduce the intensity of the fires, but four major hotspots, including the area of Degaña, remain active. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit, intending to assess the situation firsthand and support local services.
Spain has received assistance from other European countries: 51 firefighters from Romania have arrived in Galicia, and 20 specialists from Greece have joined efforts in Asturias. They are scheduled to begin work in the coming days. Civil protection officials emphasize that all state resources remain fully prepared to combat the fires.
