Spain battles 14 wildfires as heatwave drives 44°C
highs and EU steps in to help contain crisis.
Madrid, Spain — Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has
warned the country faces an “extreme risk” of new wildfires as 14 major blazes
spread across northern and western regions on Friday. With temperatures soaring
above 40°C and flames already consuming more than 1,500 square kilometers,
Spain has become the epicenter of Europe’s wildfire emergency.
Spain is enduring one of its most dangerous summers
in decades, with authorities warning that conditions could worsen in the coming
days. The national weather service Aemet has issued red alerts across multiple
provinces, forecasting temperatures up to 44°C and moderate winds that could
accelerate the spread of flames.
In Galicia, several fires have merged into a vast
inferno that has forced the closure of both highways and rail links. Emergency
services continue to evacuate villages in the provinces of Ourense and Zamora,
where flames have engulfed woodlands and farmland alike.
At least seven people have lost their lives since the
crisis began, according to officials, while thousands have been displaced.
Local media report that many evacuees are now being housed in sports halls and
community centers as firefighters struggle to contain the advancing fire
fronts.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described Friday as a
“very tough day ahead,” calling for national solidarity as he shared official
warnings of “extreme” fire risk across large parts of Spain. He urged residents
to remain vigilant, avoid risky activities, and cooperate with emergency
orders.
Avincis, Europe’s largest operator of firefighting
aircraft, confirmed that its teams have already logged 50% more flight hours
this summer compared with 2024. The surge highlights both the intensity and
frequency of blazes that have overwhelmed local brigades.
Spain is not alone in facing the crisis. Wildfires
have also scorched parts of Portugal, Greece, France, and the Balkans this
week. Yet Spain accounts for roughly a quarter of the 6,290 square kilometers
of land burned across the European Union so far this year, according to EU
data.
Experts warn that the severity of this year’s
wildfire season is closely linked to climate change. “We are witnessing longer,
hotter summers that create the perfect conditions for extreme fires,” said one
meteorologist. “This is not just a natural disaster — it’s a climate
emergency.”
The Spanish Civil Guard has arrested 10 individuals
on suspicion of arson since June, including two men recently detained in
Castille and León. Authorities stress that even accidental actions, such as
discarding a cigarette or lighting a barbecue, can trigger devastating fires in
the current conditions.
The government has activated the EU’s Civil
Protection Mechanism, allowing international assistance to be deployed. Spain
is now the fifth European nation this summer to request help, alongside Greece,
Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania.
In Greece, firefighters continue to battle flames
on the island of Chios, where power and water supply remain disrupted.
Meanwhile, Portugal has reported dozens of outbreaks in its central and
southern regions, putting further pressure on Europe’s emergency response
network.
Spain’s agricultural sector is also bracing for
losses. Vast stretches of olive groves and vineyards have already been
affected, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and increasing food price
pressures across Europe.
Local communities have been praised for their
resilience, with volunteers delivering supplies to evacuated residents and
offering shelter to displaced families. “We have lost our homes, but not our
spirit,” one resident of Ourense told Spanish television.
Meteorologists expect the heatwave to last until
Monday, with temperatures slowly declining thereafter. However, strong winds
remain a critical factor that could reignite embers and complicate firefighting
efforts.
EU officials have warned that southern Europe must
prepare for increasingly severe wildfire seasons in the coming years. Brussels
is pushing for more coordinated aerial fleets, rapid response teams, and
climate adaptation funding.
Environmental groups argue that prevention is as
important as response. “We need to rethink land management, invest in
firebreaks, and educate the public about risks,” said an NGO representative.
Despite the grim outlook, authorities stress that
compliance with safety measures can save lives. Citizens are urged to avoid
outdoor fires, dispose of trash responsibly, and report any suspicious activity
to the Civil Guard.
For now, firefighters remain on high alert,
battling around the clock as Spain faces what could become its most devastating
wildfire season of the decade.