Spain is currently experiencing an "extreme risk" of wildfires, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez alerting citizens as firefighters contend with 14 major infernos across the country. A dire message on social media announced the anticipated "tough" conditions for Friday, echoing warnings from the national weather agency Aemet about severe fire risks looming in northern and western parts of Spain. Meteorologists predict temperatures may soar as high as 40°C, compounding the damage wrought by over 1,500 square kilometers of land already scorched by flames this season, resulting in at least seven fatalities.
This week’s brutal heatwave has affected various regions of southeastern Europe, leading to wildfires raging in countries such as Portugal, Greece, France, and the Balkans. In Galicia, multiple fires merged into a massive blaze that has forced the shutdown of critical highways and rail services. The European emergency aerial services operator, Avincis, noted a staggering 50% increase in firefighting flight hours in Spain and Portugal compared to last year, reflecting the intensifying battle against these wild blazes.
The heatwave, projected to persist until Monday, could see temperatures spike to 44°C in certain areas, further complicating firefighting efforts amid moderate winds. Wildfires are not uncommon in southern Europe during summer; however, their severity has worsened under extreme heat conditions attributed to climate change. EU data indicates that nearly 6,290 square kilometers have burned across Europe this year, with Spain accounting for roughly one-quarter of that devastation.
In a proactive measure against arson, Spain's Civil Guard apprehended two suspects in Castille and León, bringing the total arrests for suspected fire-starting to 10 since June began. Authorities stress that even accidental fire starts can be punishable by law, whether from discarded cigarettes or negligent barbecue practices.
As fire risks rise, Spain becomes the fifth nation to solicit international support in battling the flames. Notably, Greece reports approximately 100 square kilometers of scorched land just this week. Firefighters in Greece continue to combat an ongoing fire on the island of Chios, with repairs to damaged infrastructure expected to take over a week, leaving many residents without electricity and facing water shortages.
Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania are utilizing the EU's civil protection mechanism, which allows countries facing disasters to seek emergency assistance. Meanwhile, severe wildfire warnings persist for multiple Greek regions amid the continuing heatwave.
This week’s brutal heatwave has affected various regions of southeastern Europe, leading to wildfires raging in countries such as Portugal, Greece, France, and the Balkans. In Galicia, multiple fires merged into a massive blaze that has forced the shutdown of critical highways and rail services. The European emergency aerial services operator, Avincis, noted a staggering 50% increase in firefighting flight hours in Spain and Portugal compared to last year, reflecting the intensifying battle against these wild blazes.
The heatwave, projected to persist until Monday, could see temperatures spike to 44°C in certain areas, further complicating firefighting efforts amid moderate winds. Wildfires are not uncommon in southern Europe during summer; however, their severity has worsened under extreme heat conditions attributed to climate change. EU data indicates that nearly 6,290 square kilometers have burned across Europe this year, with Spain accounting for roughly one-quarter of that devastation.
In a proactive measure against arson, Spain's Civil Guard apprehended two suspects in Castille and León, bringing the total arrests for suspected fire-starting to 10 since June began. Authorities stress that even accidental fire starts can be punishable by law, whether from discarded cigarettes or negligent barbecue practices.
As fire risks rise, Spain becomes the fifth nation to solicit international support in battling the flames. Notably, Greece reports approximately 100 square kilometers of scorched land just this week. Firefighters in Greece continue to combat an ongoing fire on the island of Chios, with repairs to damaged infrastructure expected to take over a week, leaving many residents without electricity and facing water shortages.
Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania are utilizing the EU's civil protection mechanism, which allows countries facing disasters to seek emergency assistance. Meanwhile, severe wildfire warnings persist for multiple Greek regions amid the continuing heatwave.
