Spain is battling more than 20 major wildfires across the country, with the government deploying hundreds of additional soldiers as a searing, prolonged heatwave continues to fuel the blazes. Defence Minister Margarita Robles described the situation as unlike anything the country's Military Emergencies Unit (UME) has faced since its formation 20 years ago, linking the unusual characteristics of the fires to climate change.
Multiple large wildfires active across Spanish regions
Up to 20 major wildfires are currently burning across Spain, with the northwestern region of Galicia being among the most severely affected areas, with over ten active fires. The fires have also spread into the Picos de Europa mountain range, threatening communities and the natural environment in the regions of Asturias and Cantabria.
Firefighting efforts intensify with military and EU support
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers from the military's emergency unit. This brings the total number of troops engaged in combating the blazes to over 1,900. Alongside the domestic military effort, authorities are awaiting the arrival of international reinforcements, including two water-dumping planes from the Netherlands, which are expected to join other EU planes supporting the firefighting operations.
Impact of the 2025 Spain fires
The human cost of the fires has been severe, with reports confirming four fatalities - all firefighters, two volunteers - and the displacement of thousands of residents from their homes. In Galicia's Ourense province, over 120 people remain confined in residential centres in Rubiá and Carballeda de Avia as a preventive measure against the encroaching smoke and flames.
The blazes have also caused significant disruption to infrastructure. At least 12 roads were closed, and national rail operator Renfe was forced to suspend all train services between Galicia and Madrid. Furthermore, the fires have impacted historic and cultural routes, leading to the closure of a section of the popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in northern Spain.
Northern Spain faces threat from spreading fires
The situation is particularly tense in the north, where one of the most significant fires has advanced into the Picos de Europa National Park. The blaze, which began in Castilla y León, has now crossed regional borders into both Cantabria and Asturias. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of eight towns in the Valdeón Valley, located in the national park's Leonese side. Reports have emerged of some local residents refusing to leave their villages, choosing instead to remain and help fight the flames to protect their homes and the landscape.
Prolonged heatwave a key factor in wildfire severity
The wildfires are being significantly exacerbated by a relentless heatwave that has gripped the country for nearly three weeks. Spain's national weather agency, Aemet, has reported extraordinary temperatures, with a quarter of all weather stations recording 40°C and one in eight reaching at least 42°C. A high of 45.8°C was registered in Cádiz on Sunday. These extreme conditions have prompted the agency to issue warnings of "very high or extreme fire danger" across most of the peninsula, creating a tinderbox environment that complicates firefighting efforts.
Human activity also blamed for igniting fires
While the intense heatwave has created prime conditions for fires to spread, human activity is being cited as a primary cause of ignition. Spain's Civil Guard has arrested two men on suspicion of starting fires in Castille and León that have since burned across thousands of hectares. Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, and authorities have warned that many blazes can be sparked, even unintentionally, by discarded cigarette butts, barbecues, or glass bottles.
Wildfires also affecting neighbouring Portugal
The crisis extends across the border into Portugal, which is simultaneously battling its own devastating wildfires. In response to the ongoing threat, Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism for assistance, and the country's national alert has been extended as the blazes spread.
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