Spain is bracing for more severe wildfires as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warns of “extreme risk” across parts of the country. Fourteen major fires are currently burning, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C along the northern coast. The recent blazes have already claimed seven lives and scorched over 1,500 sq km of land, as a continent-wide heatwave intensifies.
Galicia Wildfires Intensify Amid Heatwave, Climate Change, and Rising Arson Arrests in Spain
In Galicia, multiple fires have merged into a massive front, disrupting rail and road transport. Aerial firefighting operations have surged, with Avincis reporting a 50% increase in flight hours compared to last year. The national weather agency expects the heatwave to persist until Monday, bringing temperatures of up to 44°C in certain areas, alongside winds that could fan the flames.
Meteorologists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heatwaves, thereby worsening wildfire conditions. EU data indicates Spain accounts for roughly a quarter of all wildfire damage in the bloc this year, with over 6,290 sq km burned Europe-wide. Authorities have arrested 10 suspects for arson since June, stressing that even accidental ignition, such as from discarded cigarette butts, is a criminal offence.
Southern Europe Struggles as Fires Devastate Land and Strain Emergency Response Systems
Spain’s emergency request for EU assistance places it alongside Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania, which have all activated the bloc’s civil protection mechanism this summer. Greece is battling large fires on the island of Chios, where power outages and water shortages persist. A high-risk fire alert has been issued for several Greek regions, including Attica, Thessaly, and the Aegean islands.
This year, wildfires have already consumed over 157,000 hectares in Spain alone. The combination of extreme temperatures, dry conditions, and wind is placing unprecedented pressure on firefighting resources across southern Europe. Experts caution that such intense fire seasons are likely to become the norm as global temperatures rise, demanding stronger prevention measures and international cooperation.
