Spain Grapples with Wildfires Amidst Scorching Heatwave
Spain faces dangerous wildfires and a heatwave, with significant fire activity in Galicia and evacuation measures in place.
Key Points
- • Temperatures in Spain expected to exceed 40 °C.
- • Significant wildfire activity noted in Galicia, especially Vilardevós.
- • A Cañiza wildfire extinguished after burning 295 hectares.
- • Evacuations in La Rioja and confinement in Albacete due to wildfire risks.
Spain is currently contending with active wildfires fueled by a severe heatwave that has pushed temperatures beyond 40 °C. The situation is particularly precarious in Galicia, where the most significant fire is located in Vilardevós, Ourense, which has burned approximately 570 hectares but is now reportedly stabilized, allowing local emergency levels to be reduced. Overall, wildfires in Galicia have affected around 1,350 hectares, with the Xunta de Galicia noting a lowered risk for populated areas.
In a separate incident, a wildfire in A Cañiza has been extinguished after consuming 295 hectares. Meanwhile, the fire in Salobre, Albacete, originated from a van overturning and has led to the confinement of 600 people in nearby spas as a precaution. Additionally, evacuations have been implemented in Valdeperillo, La Rioja, due to concerns over an approaching wildfire.
As of now, while most wildfires are stabilized, the danger remains elevated across the Iberian Peninsula due to continuing high temperatures. Authorities are urging vigilance to prevent new outbreaks as they monitor conditions closely. The extreme weather continues to pose challenges to fire suppression efforts, underscoring an ongoing state of alert throughout the country as citizens and officials alike brace for potential new fire dangers amid the relentless heat.