Spain is facing one of its worst wildfire seasons in two decades, as authorities deploy an additional 500 troops, bringing the total number of personnel on the ground to 1,900.
According to the EU’s Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 158,000 hectares have already been scorched – an area roughly the size of metropolitan London.
Casualties and Active Fires
- 3 people have died in the past week.
- Around 20 major fires remain active.
- The northwestern region of Galicia has been hit particularly hard, where several blazes merged into a powerful firestorm.
The fires have forced road and railway closures, while evacuations continue across affected regions.
“Homes are still under threat. We are carrying out evacuations and keeping roadblocks in place,” said Alfonso Rueda, head of Galicia’s regional government.
International Support
Assistance from across Europe is arriving:
- Two aircraft from the Netherlands are set to join firefighting planes from France and Italy, already operating in Spain.
- Other European nations are expected to contribute in the coming days.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned of difficult days ahead:
“The fires are widespread. We will face tough days, and unfortunately, the weather is not on our side.”
Extreme Conditions
- Temperatures are forecast to hit 45°C in parts of Spain.
- Smoke from the wildfires has spread as far as the United Kingdom, creating hazy conditions.
The crisis is not limited to Spain. Portugal is currently battling eight major wildfires, the most severe near the mountainous region of Piódão. Meanwhile, Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania have also requested assistance from the EU’s firefighting forces.
