Ongoing Wildfire Crisis in Galicia and Surrounding Regions as August Progresses
Spain faces active wildfires with military intervention in Galicia as new fires emerge.
Key Points
- • Six active wildfires reported in Galicia, with military assistance on three.
- • New fire in As Neves declared with a level 2 emergency due to proximity to homes.
- • Tarifa fire in Cádiz stabilized, allowing evacuated residents to return but remains a monitored pre-emergency.
- • Concerns raised over tourism impacts on protected areas after the Tarifa fire.
As of early August 2025, Spain is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, predominantly affecting the Galicia region while also impacting areas in Cádiz and Navarra. There are currently six active wildfires in Galicia, three of which have required military intervention from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) to assist local firefighting efforts, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Newly reported is a fire in As Neves, Pontevedra, which has already scorched approximately 50 hectares and prompted a level 2 emergency declaration due to its threatening proximity to residential areas. Many residents are currently under precautionary evacuation measures. Meanwhile, the Tarifa fire in Cádiz has been stabilized, enabling around 1,550 evacuees to safely return home, although the area remains in a state of pre-emergency, with ongoing monitoring for potential re-ignition.
In Navarra, the wildfire in Obanos has been successfully controlled after affecting 338 hectares; however, the region remains vigilant due to high temperatures and strong winds that pose a risk of reactivation. On another front, a new fire has flared up in Sa Pobla, Mallorca, rated as a potential severity of 1, adding another location to the list of fire-affected areas across Spain.
Environmental advocates are sounding alarms over the recent Tarifa fire, urging for improved tourism management in protected areas to prevent such incidents in the future. They emphasize that responsible practices are essential in mitigating the devastating impacts of wildfires on ecosystems and communities. As firefighting efforts continue across these regions, many fires are being reported as stabilized or controlled, although the situation remains precarious due to adverse weather conditions that could reignite flames or create new hazards.
With wildfires posing a direct threat to residential areas and natural landscapes, local authorities and emergency services are on high alert, striving to keep communities safe while managing resources effectively. The coming days will be critical as teams continue their fight against the numerous wildfires affecting Spain.