Spain is facing a devastating battle against 20 major wildfires that continue to tear across the country, with record-breaking temperatures complicating firefighting efforts. On Sunday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the deployment of an additional 500 military emergency troops, bringing the total to 1,900, as blazes spread from Galicia to southern regions.
Galicia Engulfed: Fires Merge Into Mega-Blaze
In northwestern Galicia, several fires merged into a massive inferno, forcing the closure of highways and rail services. Residents in small villages, left without electricity to pump water, resorted to fighting the flames with buckets.
“The fireplanes come in from all sides, but they don’t come here,” said local resident Basilio Rodriguez.
Another villager, Lorea Pascual, described the situation as “insurmountable”, highlighting the growing desperation on the ground.
Europe’s Worst Fire Season in 20 Years
Southern Europe is grappling with one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in two decades. In just the past week, Spain has lost over 115,000 hectares of land, with three lives claimed by the flames. Neighboring Portugal is also under siege, with 155,000 hectares burnt this year alone, half of it in just the last three days.
Authorities have revealed 27 arrests and 92 investigations for suspected arson in Spain since June, raising fears that some blazes may be man-made.
Extreme Heat Worsens the Crisis
Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, warned that temperatures could soar up to 45°C (113°F), creating “very adverse” conditions for firefighters. Virginia Barcones, Spain’s director general of emergency services, noted that Tuesday may bring some relief with lower temperatures, but until then, the danger remains critical.
“Today there are extremely high temperatures with an extreme risk of fires, which complicates firefighting efforts,” Barcones told state TV.
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Portugal on High Alert
In Portugal, thousands of firefighters are engaged in eight major blazes across central and northern regions. The worst is near Piodao, a scenic tourist hub in the mountains. Another fire near Trancoso has burned uncontrollably for eight days, claiming the first casualty of the season last Friday.
Prime Minister Sanchez has admitted that “the weather is not on our side”, warning of “challenging days ahead.” With climate change intensifying extreme weather events, Spain and Portugal are bracing for what could become an unprecedented environmental disaster.
