Spain is grappling with an urgent wildfire crisis, marked by an "extreme risk" designation from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as firefighters combat 14 significant blazes. Conditions are expected to worsen on Friday, with the national weather service Aemet projecting temperatures soaring to 40C (104F) in northern coastal regions. Over 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles) have already been devastated by wildfires, resulting in seven fatalities this year.
Spain Faces 'Severe Wildfire Threat' as Fires Rage Across the Country
Spain Faces 'Severe Wildfire Threat' as Fires Rage Across the Country
Amid escalating temperatures, Spain battles multiple wildfires while anticipating further risks, prompting urgent warnings from officials.
This ongoing heatwave is impacting vast areas of southeastern Europe, igniting wildfires in Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and the Balkans. In Galicia, the merging of several fires has created a massive blaze, disrupting highway and train services. A significant surge in firefighting flight hours has been reported, increasing by 50% compared to last year, according to the European emergency aerial services operator Avincis.
As Aemet indicates that the extreme heat is likely to persist until Monday, temperatures could climb as high as 44C (111.2F) in certain regions, accompanied by moderate winds. Wildfires are commonplace during the summer months across Southern Europe, however, their intensity has been exacerbated by ongoing heatwave conditions attributed to climate change.
EU statistics reveal that approximately 6,290 square kilometers (2,429 square miles) have been scorched across Europe in 2023, with Spain accounting for nearly a quarter of this total. Additionally, the Civil Guard in Spain has reported making ten arrests for suspected arson, highlighting heightened vigilance against fire causes, which can stem from barbecues, discarded cigarette butts, or litter.
As these blazes continue, Spain joins four other European nations in seeking aid from the EU's civil protection mechanism, reinforcing cooperation in firefighting efforts during this critical summer of increased wildfire activity.
On the Greek island of Chios, firefighters are still contending with a blaze that erupted three days ago, with infrastructure repair expected to take over a week due to extensive damage, leaving many areas without power and facing water shortages. The Greek Civil Protection agency has issued high wildfire risk warnings throughout various regions, representing a broader trend of alarming fire incidents across Southern Europe.
As Aemet indicates that the extreme heat is likely to persist until Monday, temperatures could climb as high as 44C (111.2F) in certain regions, accompanied by moderate winds. Wildfires are commonplace during the summer months across Southern Europe, however, their intensity has been exacerbated by ongoing heatwave conditions attributed to climate change.
EU statistics reveal that approximately 6,290 square kilometers (2,429 square miles) have been scorched across Europe in 2023, with Spain accounting for nearly a quarter of this total. Additionally, the Civil Guard in Spain has reported making ten arrests for suspected arson, highlighting heightened vigilance against fire causes, which can stem from barbecues, discarded cigarette butts, or litter.
As these blazes continue, Spain joins four other European nations in seeking aid from the EU's civil protection mechanism, reinforcing cooperation in firefighting efforts during this critical summer of increased wildfire activity.
On the Greek island of Chios, firefighters are still contending with a blaze that erupted three days ago, with infrastructure repair expected to take over a week due to extensive damage, leaving many areas without power and facing water shortages. The Greek Civil Protection agency has issued high wildfire risk warnings throughout various regions, representing a broader trend of alarming fire incidents across Southern Europe.
