Spain continues to battle a series of major wildfires that have been raging for the second consecutive week. The country remains on high alert due to extreme heat, and fire hazard warnings are in effect in several regions.
According to European monitoring services, more than fifteen fire hotspots are currently active across Spain. Over the past week, nearly 100,000 hectares of forest and farmland have been destroyed by the flames. The situation is especially severe in Galicia, Castilla y León, and Extremadura, where fires are spreading rapidly due to strong winds and high temperatures.
In the province of Valencia, in the municipality of Teresa de Cofrentes, the military emergency response unit was deployed to help fight the fire. The region is experiencing challenging weather conditions, making it difficult to contain the outbreaks.
In August alone, the flames have already destroyed more than 25,000 hectares, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes. The largest number of evacuees is in Castilla y León. In the El Bierzo area, specifically in Las Médulas, favorable weather changes have allowed the burned area to be reduced from 80% to 60% of the fire’s perimeter.
A tense situation persists in Extremadura, Cáceres, Zamora, and especially Ourense. In Ourense, five active fire fronts have been reported, and thick smoke has forced thousands of residents to stay home under quarantine. In some towns, local authorities have urged people not to leave their homes, despite the threat of fire spreading.
In the municipality of Jarilla, the fire has reached a critical stage, and residents have been advised to remain indoors. Despite the warnings, some people have chosen not to evacuate and are staying in their homes.
In the past 24 hours, two people have died as a result of the fires: one was a volunteer in Zamora, the other an employee of an equestrian club in Madrid. Authorities continue to monitor developments and urge everyone to follow safety measures.
Meteorologists note that the heat and strong winds may persist for several more days, making the work of firefighters and rescue teams more difficult. Regional authorities are asking residents to stay alert and follow official updates.
This summer’s wildfires in Spain have become some of the most devastating in recent years. Experts attribute them to abnormal heat and drought, which increase the risk of new outbreaks. In the near future, the situation may remain tense, especially in the hardest-hit regions.
