A volunteer firefighter has died and several others have been hospitalised as dozens of wildfires, fanned by fierce winds and scorching temperatures, tore through parts of Spain on Wednesday.
Authorities said the victim, a 35-year-old volunteer, was battling flames near Nogarejas in the central Castile and Leon region when he became trapped while creating firebreaks. The blaze, still out of control, is burning on two active fronts amid forecasts of more strong winds and thunderstorms.
Over 5,000 residents have been evacuated from the area as emergency crews work to stop the flames from reaching smaller towns.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned on X that the situation remains “serious” and urged “extreme caution.” State weather agency AEMET said Spain is at “the most challenging point of the season,” with a 10-day heatwave set to last until Monday and an “extreme” wildfire risk declared for Wednesday.
Nearly 99,000 hectares (245,000 acres) have already burned nationwide this year.
Environment Minister Sara Aagesen said the intensity of many blazes suggests possible arson, though investigations are ongoing.
The wildfires have also claimed another life this week, a man killed on Monday while working at a horse stable near Madrid, where flames spread to homes and farms before being contained.
In Galicia’s Ourense province, six fires are raging across 10,000 hectares. Regional leader Alfonso Rueda described the situation as “complicated,” with weather conditions hampering containment efforts.
At least six major fires remain uncontained across the country, with emergency services warning that worsening weather could further escalate Spain’s wildfire crisis.
Written By Rodney Mbua
