At the start of the week, Spain continues to face a challenging situation with wildfires. According to recent reports, 11 major fire outbreaks remain active across the country, with most recorded in Castilla y León, as well as in Galicia and Asturias. Authorities note that weather conditions are still complicating firefighters’ efforts, although some regions are showing signs of improvement.
In Castilla y León, the highest number of fires is in the province of León, where five fires are active; another has been reported in the province of Zamora. As a result, more than 700 residents from 12 towns have been forced to evacuate their homes. The situation is exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds, helping the fire spread. All available ground and aerial resources are engaged in the region, including military units and emergency specialists.
In Galicia, one of the largest recent fires in the Chandrexa de Queixa area has been stabilized in recent days, after destroying around 19,000 hectares of forest in two weeks. Currently, there are two active outbreaks in the province of Ourense—specifically in the municipalities of Carballeda de Valdeorras and Avion. Authorities report the situation is gradually improving, but the danger level remains high.
In Asturias, firefighters continue battling several blazes in the southwest of the region. The most challenging situation remains in the areas of Genestoso, Somiedo, and Degaña. Thanks to changing weather conditions and the increased number of personnel involved, the front in Degaña has been stabilized, and in Genestoso, the fire is now almost entirely under control. Authorities expect to eliminate the remaining hotspots soon, with some resources already redirected to tackle new fires in other areas.
Since the wave of fires began on August 13, more than 5,500 hectares have been damaged by fire in Asturias, mainly pastureland and forests. In Galicia and Castilla y León, the area affected also amounts to thousands of hectares.
Spain is receiving help from international teams in fighting the fires. In the coming days, the withdrawal of foreign specialists will begin: German firefighters will complete their work on Tuesday, French crews finish today, Finnish units are returning to Madrid, and Romanian and Greek contingents will wrap up their missions by the end of the week. The team from Andorra will continue working after a rotation. Coordination is being carried out through the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
Authorities emphasize that despite improvements in certain regions, the danger level in Castilla y León, Zamora, and Ourense will remain extremely high at least until the end of the week. All available resources and personnel remain on site to prevent new outbreaks and to extinguish active fires as quickly as possible.
Questions about the adequacy of resources and coordination between central and regional authorities remain under discussion. Government representatives note that requests for additional equipment and aircraft have exceeded the capacity of the European mechanism, as other countries—including Greece, Portugal, and Balkan states—are also battling wildfires alongside Spain.
The Spanish Ministry of Defense stresses that the army and emergency services have been on the ground since the onset of the crisis and are prepared to stay until the situation is fully stabilized. Authorities urge residents of affected regions to exercise caution and follow rescue service instructions to prevent new fires and minimize the impact of the disaster.
