Spain Battling Severe Forest Fires Amid Scorching Heatwave
Spain continues to face severe forest fires exacerbated by extreme heat, with emergency responses underway across multiple regions.
Key Points
- • Heat wave in Spain expected to reach up to 40°C, increasing forest fire risks.
- • Significant fire in Vilardevós, Ourense, has burned 500 hectares, classified as level 2 emergency.
- • Fires reported across Galicia, including successful containment efforts in multiple locations.
- • President of Xunta of Galicia calls for enhanced public awareness to prevent arson and manage fires.
Spain is currently grappling with a devastating forest fire crisis as extreme temperatures surge, with new heat waves predicted to reach up to 40°C. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has raised alarms about heightened fire risks across the Iberian Peninsula due to anticipated strong winds and sporadic rain, exacerbating the already critical situations in multiple regions.
In Catalonia, the Generalitat has issued a warning highlighting significant fire dangers in the Alt Empordà region, deploying additional operational resources and restricting public access to certain natural areas for safety. Meanwhile, the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) is actively tackling a major fire in Vilardevós, Ourense, where approximately 500 hectares have burned and the situation remains classified as a level 2 emergency.
Other regions are not spared, with multiple fires reported across Galicia, including significant incidents in Ponteceso and Porto do Son. The Ponteceso fire has developed multiple active fronts, while the Porto do Son situation has been stabilized, affecting 28 hectares. Furthermore, a fire in A Cañiza, believed to have originated from five separate ignition points, has affected around 300 hectares and led to temporary evacuation measures for local populations.
In Ávila, firefighters have managed to control another significant fire in Valle del Tiétar, which impacted over 2,200 hectares, aided by favorable weather conditions and extensive firefighting resources.
Alfonso Rueda, the president of the Xunta de Galicia, emphasized the ongoing challenges in preventing these fires. He pointed out that some blazes result from arson, underscoring the need for increased public awareness and community responsibility in fire prevention strategies. Amid these severe conditions, the call for public vigilance has never been more urgent as Spain faces a potential escalation of fire outbreaks in the coming days.