The European Union has mobilized support for Spain, dispatching two firefighting planes to assist in combating a raging wildfire crisis that has left a trail of destruction and death. This activation of the EU disaster assistance mechanism is a first for Spain. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska revealed that he has requested Canadair water bombers to be stationed in the most affected areas to help control the fires.
Tragically, amid the fierce firefighting efforts, a third individual has lost their life due to the escalating inferno in León. With temperatures soaring, Spain's state meteorological agency AEMET has warned that the ongoing heatwave is expected to persist until Monday, with some regions facing temperatures surpassing 44 degrees Celsius, raising alarms about the potential for further fire spread.
Minister Grande-Marlaska emphasized in an interview with Cadena SER that while the immediate need for the aircraft is not critical, the anticipated weather conditions necessitate their prompt deployment. He also indicated that the government may request additional firefighting personnel as the situation evolves.
As wildfires rage, thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, with around 700 people compelled to leave the western city of Caceres on Wednesday alone. The tragedy deepened with the loss of a civilian and a volunteer firefighter in León, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to express condolences and assure that all national resources are being mobilized to tackle this severe crisis.
Spain is not alone in its firefighting struggles; several other European nations, including Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania, are also grappling with similar disaster situations and have activated the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism for assistance. In Greece, for instance, wildfires continue to blaze, particularly on the island of Chios and in the Achaia region, where emergency services are stretched thin, sending many residents fleeing by sea.
As of Thursday, wildfires across Europe have devastated over 10,000 hectares in Greece alone since Tuesday. With fire risks continuing to surge, authorities issued a red alert for several regions, highlighting the urgency and peril of this ongoing crisis. The frequency and intensity of wildfires across the continent have surged, with EU data indicating that 439,000 hectares have burned since the start of this year, a notable increase from the previous year's totals.
