Spain battles record wildfires even as temperatures begin to fall
‘Very high’ fire risk remains in Spain’s northwest
- Spain is experiencing one of its most destructive fire seasons in recent decades, with thousands of firefighters and military personnel battling blazes across the country.
- The situation is particularly critical in northwestern Spain, especially the Galicia region, where fire risk remains “very high or extreme”.
- International assistance has arrived, with German firefighting units deploying to northern Spain to aid efforts.
- This year, fires in Spain have burned over 382,000 hectares and caused four fatalities, with many blazes attributed to human activity, leading to 23 arrests for suspected arson.
- Neighbouring Portugal is also battling extensive wildfires, with over 3,700 firefighters tackling blazes that have consumed approximately 235,000 hectares and resulted in two deaths.