Severe Wildfires Continue to Roil Spain Amid Ongoing Evacuations
Spain battles multiple wildfires, evacuations ongoing as areas are impacted.
Key Points
- • Three major wildfires are active in Cuevas del Valle, Las Hurdes, and A Cañiza.
- • The Las Hurdes fire is 90% contained but will take weeks to fully extinguish.
- • Approximately 5,200 hectares have been affected by wildfires across Spain.
- • Evacuations are ongoing, with some residents returning home as conditions improve.
As of August 1, 2025, Spain is facing a crisis with multiple active wildfires, particularly in the regions of Ávila, Cáceres, and Pontevedra. The most notable incidents include the fire in Las Hurdes, which is approximately 90% contained but has already burned about 2,800 hectares. Local authorities anticipate it will take weeks to fully extinguish the remaining fire, despite significant progress. In contrast, the situation in A Cañiza remains precarious, as this wildfire—suspected to be started intentionally—has scorched roughly 300 hectares and has prompted ongoing evacuations, particularly affecting communities in proximity to the fire. Residents of A Cañiza have been put on alert as the situation develops.
In Valeixe, local citizens actively sought to combat the flames, with many employing hoses and spraying machines to protect their properties. The Xunta has reported an evacuation of around 30 residents in Cerdedo-Cotobade due to simultaneous fires in surrounding areas, including O Couto and Oroso, which have raised concerns and led to mobile alerts urging people to stay indoors. Meanwhile, in Cuevas del Valle (Ávila), firefighters are still struggling to bring the fire under control, causing confinement measures for local residents.
These wildfires have collectively affected around 5,200 hectares across various regions, highlighting a critical fire season exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds. Spain’s Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, has underlined the seriousness of the situation, particularly regarding potential human involvement in causing some of the fires, which has led to ongoing investigations. She called for stringent legal actions against those found responsible for starting fires intentionally.
With over 21 provinces on high alert due to weather conditions conducive to wildfires, Spain continues to mobilize resources to tackle this crisis. As some residents begin to return home, the government remains cautious, underscoring the need for vigilance amid the ever-evolving fire threat, particularly with further evacuations potentially required if conditions worsen. The recovery process and containment efforts will remain a key focus for local authorities in the coming weeks as the fires continue to pose a significant threat to numerous communities.