Wildfires Rage in Spain Amid Extreme Heatwave
Severe wildfires continue to affect Spain amid a brutal heatwave, prompting urgent firefighting efforts.
Key Points
- • At least 400 hectares burned in Ourense from a wildfire starting Friday night.
- • A new wildfire in Vilardevós is at level 2 alert; the situation remains critical.
- • The Las Hurdes fire has stabilized after burning over 3,000 hectares, allowing some evacuees to return.
- • Conditions are complicated by extreme heat and strong winds, with intentional fires suspected in some areas.
As Spain endures a severe heatwave, wildfires are wreaking havoc across various regions, with significant blazes reported in Galicia, particularly in Ourense. Since the wildfire erupted on Friday night, it has destroyed at least 400 hectares, prompting local authorities to issue a level 2 alert due to the intensity of the fire. Additionally, a new fire has emerged in Vilardevós, which is currently being closely monitored, as firefighting efforts continue to struggle under extreme weather conditions.
In Las Hurdes, the situation is somewhat improving; the wildfire that previously ravaged over 3,000 hectares has now been stabilized, allowing evacuees to return to their homes, although some areas remain hazardous. Meanwhile, another fire near A Cañiza, suspected to have been started intentionally, has consumed around 300 hectares and is still active. Authorities have begun to lift some of the evacuation measures in that region as conditions improve.
The alarming situation is exacerbated by temperatures soaring between 35 and 39 degrees Celsius and strong winds, which complicate firefighting operations. The Ministry of Defense has highlighted the need for stringent penalties for those found guilty of arson, particularly as investigations indicate that human actions have played a significant role in igniting several of the wildfires.