Firefighters are battling 14 major wildfires in Spain, where extreme temperatures and dry conditions have heightened the risk of new blazes, prompting government warnings and international assistance requests.
**Spain Faces 'Extreme Risk' of Wildfires Amidst Sweltering Heatwave**
**Spain Faces 'Extreme Risk' of Wildfires Amidst Sweltering Heatwave**
Heatwave Conditions Lead to Escalating Fire Threat Across Southern Europe
Spain is currently enduring an unprecedented heatwave that has left it at an "extreme risk" of wildfires, as 14 significant blazes rage throughout the country. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez indicated on the platform X that conditions would again be "very tough" on Friday, supported by a graphic from the national weather agency Aemet highlighting severe fire risks particularly in the northern and western regions. The sweltering temperatures are projected to soar to as high as 40°C along the north coast of Spain, following a devastating loss of over 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles) to wildfires, resulting in seven fatalities.
The current heatwave has wreaked havoc across large sections of southeastern Europe this week, forcing an increase in wildfire outbreaks in numerous countries, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and the Balkans. In Galicia, fierce fires merged into larger blazes, leading to the closure of critical highways and rail services. Avincis, which operates emergency aerial services throughout Europe, reported a staggering 50% rise in flight hours dedicated to firefighting operations this season in Spain and Portugal compared to last year.
The extreme weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with the possibility of temperatures hitting 44°C in certain locales, compounded by moderate winds. In what has become a recurring challenge during summer months, severe wildfires threaten southern Europe, their intensity exacerbated by climate change. EU reports state that more than 6,290 square kilometers (2,429 square miles) have burned across the EU this year, with wildfires in Spain accounting for about a quarter of that devastation.
In a worrying development, Spain's Civil Guard confirmed the arrest of two individuals under suspicion of arson within Castille and León, bringing the total number of suspected arsonists apprehended to ten since early June. Although weather conditions remain conducive to wildfires, carelessness from activities such as barbecues, discarded cigarette butts, or disposal of bottles can all spark a fire. In Spain, even accidental wildfire ignition carries criminal consequences.
Spain joins the ranks of five European countries seeking external assistance to combat these wildfires, as Greece reports severe firefighting struggles, especially on the island of Chios. In the past week, wildfires in Greece have burnt through approximately 100 square kilometers (38 square miles) since Tuesday. Civil Protection services in Greece have issued warnings of severe wildfire risks on Friday for crucial regions including Attica, Peloponnese, and various parts of Macedonia and Thrace, as neighboring countries like Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania engage the EU’s civil protection mechanism to secure necessary aid.
The current heatwave has wreaked havoc across large sections of southeastern Europe this week, forcing an increase in wildfire outbreaks in numerous countries, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and the Balkans. In Galicia, fierce fires merged into larger blazes, leading to the closure of critical highways and rail services. Avincis, which operates emergency aerial services throughout Europe, reported a staggering 50% rise in flight hours dedicated to firefighting operations this season in Spain and Portugal compared to last year.
The extreme weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with the possibility of temperatures hitting 44°C in certain locales, compounded by moderate winds. In what has become a recurring challenge during summer months, severe wildfires threaten southern Europe, their intensity exacerbated by climate change. EU reports state that more than 6,290 square kilometers (2,429 square miles) have burned across the EU this year, with wildfires in Spain accounting for about a quarter of that devastation.
In a worrying development, Spain's Civil Guard confirmed the arrest of two individuals under suspicion of arson within Castille and León, bringing the total number of suspected arsonists apprehended to ten since early June. Although weather conditions remain conducive to wildfires, carelessness from activities such as barbecues, discarded cigarette butts, or disposal of bottles can all spark a fire. In Spain, even accidental wildfire ignition carries criminal consequences.
Spain joins the ranks of five European countries seeking external assistance to combat these wildfires, as Greece reports severe firefighting struggles, especially on the island of Chios. In the past week, wildfires in Greece have burnt through approximately 100 square kilometers (38 square miles) since Tuesday. Civil Protection services in Greece have issued warnings of severe wildfire risks on Friday for crucial regions including Attica, Peloponnese, and various parts of Macedonia and Thrace, as neighboring countries like Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania engage the EU’s civil protection mechanism to secure necessary aid.
