Firefighters, Military, and International Aid Combat Devastating Blazes
As of Monday, more than 20 significant wildfires are raging across Spain’s western half, including the regions of Castilla y León, Galicia, and Extremadura. These fires have already affected over 343,000 hectares this year, making it the worst-hit year for wildfires in Spanish history according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
Current Situation
- 23 active fires pose a serious threat to the population, as explained by Virginia Barcones, Spain’s Director General of Protection Civil and Emergencies on TVE.
- Thousands have been evacuated, and the death toll has risen to 4 in Spain and 2 in Portugal, with two firefighters losing their lives.
- The fires are concentrated in Castilla y León, Galicia, and Extremadura, with tens of thousands of hectares burned.
International Support and Challenges
Firefighters from Germany and France, along with aerial support from France, Italy, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Marruecos, are aiding in the battle against these devastating fires. Spain’s Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, described the situation as “very difficult” and “complicated,” citing the fires’ “virulence” and “magnitude,” as well as smoke obscuring aerial operations.
Hope Amidst the Crisis
Meteorological conditions are expected to improve, offering some relief for firefighters. The Spanish national meteorological agency (Aemet) reported that the recent heatwave, lasting 16 days with temperatures reaching up to 45°C in southern Spain and 40°C in many other areas, is finally coming to an end.
Tragic Losses
Spain’s Casualties
A Spanish firefighter tragically lost his life on Sunday when the water-carrying vehicle he was driving rolled over on a steep forest track in León province. Two other volunteer firefighters from Castilla y León also died while battling the flames, and a Romanian employee of a stables in northern Madrid died while trying to protect horses from the wildfire.
Portugal’s Casualties
In Portugal, a firefighter died in a traffic accident while working to contain the fires, leaving two fellow firefighters seriously injured. This incident follows the death of a former mayor in Guarda, eastern Portugal, who was fighting the wildfires. Portugal is currently dealing with a major blaze near Arganil in central Portugal, which has mobilized half of the 2,000 firefighters currently working to extinguish fires across the country.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How many active wildfires are there in Spain as of Monday? There are 23 active wildfires in Spain as of Monday, affecting over 343,000 hectares.
- Q: What regions in Spain are most affected by the wildfires? The western regions of Castilla y León, Galicia, and Extremadura are experiencing the most severe impact from the wildfires.
- Q: How is the international community supporting Spain and Portugal in combating wildfires? Firefighters from Germany and France, along with aerial support from France, Italy, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Marruecos are aiding in the battle against these devastating fires.
- Q: How many lives have been lost due to these wildfires in Spain and Portugal? Four people have died in Spain, including three firefighters, and two in Portugal, where a traffic accident claimed the life of a firefighter.
