Spain Battles Historic Wildfires, Thousands Displaced
MADRID — Spain is currently facing a catastrophic wave of wildfires raging across more than 51 locations nationwide, resulting in over 4,000 residents being forced to evacuate from their homes, authorities revealed on Sunday.
Worst-Hit Areas
According to reports from local officials via news agency EFE, the wildfires are still active in at least 25 areas in Castile and Leon, 14 in Galicia, 12 in Asturias, and multiple locations in the southern region of Extremadura.
The most severely affected areas include Ourense in Galicia; the provinces of Leon and Zamora in Castile and Leon; Somiedo Natural Park in Asturias; and Plasencia in Extremadura.
Displaced Residents and Evacuations
In Castile and Leon alone, more than 3,250 people have been displaced. In Galicia, firefighting teams have been battling the flames for several days, with over 47,000 hectares (116,139 acres) of land already burned.
Hundreds of people from the Ourense region are currently seeking refuge in sports centers, emergency facilities, or staying with relatives and friends.
Moreover, in the Extremadura region, 200 residents were evacuated from the municipality of Jarilla in Caceres province.
Government Response
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to visit the most affected areas — Ourense and Leon — on Sunday to evaluate the extent of the damage and meet with emergency responders.
Firefighting efforts are being bolstered by Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME), in addition to aerial assistance provided through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism.
Portugal also Battling Wildfires
Meanwhile, neighboring Portugal is also grappling with intense wildfires, with 78 active fire sites across the country, including eight classified as major blazes.
Portugal’s National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection disclosed that 5,148 firefighters are currently on the ground, supported by 42 aircraft and 305 ground vehicles.
Future Fire Risk
Authorities in both Spain and Portugal have issued warnings that high temperatures, strong winds, and dry conditions are likely to exacerbate the fire risk in the coming days. — Agencies
