With over 1,500 sq km burned and temperatures soaring, Spain's firefighting efforts ramp up amidst rising risks.
Spain Faces 'Extreme Risk' of Wildfires as 14 New Blazes Erupt
Spain Faces 'Extreme Risk' of Wildfires as 14 New Blazes Erupt
Prime Minister warns of daunting conditions amid ongoing wildfires as heatwave intensifies.
Spain is currently grappling with an "extreme risk" of wildfires, as noted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, with firefighters actively combating 14 significant blazes across the nation. Sanchez took to X, highlighting the challenging conditions anticipated for Friday, as detailed by the national weather agency Aemet which issued a dire warning for severe fire risks in the northern and western regions of Spain.
Temperatures are projected to soar to around 40°C (104°F) along Spain's north coast, following a week that has already seen over 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles) consumed by flames, culminating in the tragic loss of seven lives. The ongoing heatwave has wreaked havoc throughout southeastern Europe, leading to destructive wildfires in Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and parts of the Balkans.
In the Galicia region, several smaller fires merged, creating a massive inferno that forced the closure of highways and disrupted rail services. Avincis, Europe's leading emergency aerial service operator, reported a staggering 50% increase in flight hours required for firefighting efforts in Spain and Portugal compared to last year.
The extreme heat is expected to persist through Monday, with temperatures reaching as high as 44°C (111°F) in some areas, coupled with moderate winds fueling the fire risk. Spain is now the fifth country in Europe to call for aid in battling the wildfires during this summer, which have burned approximately 6,290 sq km (2,429 sq miles) across the EU so far this year.
The Civil Guard in Spain has announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of starting fires in Castille and León, raising the total number of arson-related arrests to ten since June began. While weather conditions currently support the onset of wildfires, they can also be ignited by seemingly innocuous acts such as barbecues, discarded cigarette butts, or litter. Under Spanish law, even accidental causes can lead to criminal charges.
The situation extends beyond Spain. Greece faced its turmoil as well, with wildfires engulfing over 100 sq km (38 sq miles) of land since Tuesday. Firefighters in Greece continue to fight blazes, including one on the island of Chios, which has been active for three days, with significant damage reported to the local infrastructure.
The Civil Protection Agency in Greece has issued warnings about very high wildfire risks affecting various regions, including Attica and the Peloponnese. With Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania also facing fire threats, the EU's civil protection mechanism has been activated, facilitating emergency assistance for affected nations.
Temperatures are projected to soar to around 40°C (104°F) along Spain's north coast, following a week that has already seen over 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles) consumed by flames, culminating in the tragic loss of seven lives. The ongoing heatwave has wreaked havoc throughout southeastern Europe, leading to destructive wildfires in Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and parts of the Balkans.
In the Galicia region, several smaller fires merged, creating a massive inferno that forced the closure of highways and disrupted rail services. Avincis, Europe's leading emergency aerial service operator, reported a staggering 50% increase in flight hours required for firefighting efforts in Spain and Portugal compared to last year.
The extreme heat is expected to persist through Monday, with temperatures reaching as high as 44°C (111°F) in some areas, coupled with moderate winds fueling the fire risk. Spain is now the fifth country in Europe to call for aid in battling the wildfires during this summer, which have burned approximately 6,290 sq km (2,429 sq miles) across the EU so far this year.
The Civil Guard in Spain has announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of starting fires in Castille and León, raising the total number of arson-related arrests to ten since June began. While weather conditions currently support the onset of wildfires, they can also be ignited by seemingly innocuous acts such as barbecues, discarded cigarette butts, or litter. Under Spanish law, even accidental causes can lead to criminal charges.
The situation extends beyond Spain. Greece faced its turmoil as well, with wildfires engulfing over 100 sq km (38 sq miles) of land since Tuesday. Firefighters in Greece continue to fight blazes, including one on the island of Chios, which has been active for three days, with significant damage reported to the local infrastructure.
The Civil Protection Agency in Greece has issued warnings about very high wildfire risks affecting various regions, including Attica and the Peloponnese. With Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania also facing fire threats, the EU's civil protection mechanism has been activated, facilitating emergency assistance for affected nations.
