Spain deploys more troops as wildfires rage across the country in extreme heat

Spain has deployed hundreds more troops to fight 20 major wildfires as extreme heat fuels one of the worst fire seasons in southern Europe in two decades.

In the northwestern region of Galicia, several blazes have merged into a large fire, forcing the closure of highways and rail links. Villagers in places such as Villardevos have resorted to buckets of water after electricity cuts prevented pumps from working.

“The fireplanes come in from all sides, but they don’t come here,” local resident Basilio Rodriguez told Reuters.

Deadly season

Spain has lost more than 115,000 hectares to fire in the past week, with three deaths reported. Temperatures are expected to rise to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in some areas, according to weather agency AEMET.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking in the hard-hit Ourense region, warned of “challenging days ahead” and announced an increase in military reinforcements to 1,900 troops.

Adverse conditions

Emergency services chief Virginia Barcones said extreme heat and high fire risk were making containment efforts harder, though cooler weather was forecast from Tuesday.

Interior ministry data show 27 people have been arrested and 92 placed under investigation for suspected arson since June.

Portugal also hit

Neighbouring Portugal is facing its own crisis, with about 155,000 hectares burned this year — triple the long-term average. About half of that area was lost in the past three days.

Thousands of firefighters are battling eight large fires in central and northern Portugal, including one near the tourist area of Piodao. Another blaze in Trancoso has been burning for more than a week. A smaller fire nearby killed a resident on Friday — the country’s first wildfire death this season.

Tags

News Wildfires Spain Europe