Northern Spain battles year’s worst wildfires

ISTANBUL

Spain’s northern regions of Castile and Leon, Galicia, and Navarra are battling the most severe wildfires of the year, with blazes active in 10 different areas since the weekend.

The fires have hit the provinces of Leon, Zamora, and Ourense particularly hard. Authorities said more than 850 residents were evacuated from settlements near the Las Medulas Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, which has been affected by the flames, El Impercial reported.

Local officials and the Civil Protection Agency said intense efforts are underway, aided by military units, to minimize the fire’s impact on the park. Several roads in Leon and Zamora remain closed.

Residents have voiced frustration over perceived underpreparedness and inadequate firefighting resources.

In Galicia’s Ourense province, wildfires have burned around 1,000 hectares of forest thus far, in what is being described as the largest blaze to hit the region this summer.

Efforts to contain the flames involve 12 helicopters and 11 aircraft operating from the air, and more than 200 personnel working on the ground.

In Navarra’s Carcastillo forest area, a separate blaze that remains uncontained is being tackled with the help of nine helicopters and four planes.

High temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are making firefighting operations more difficult, officials said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on X that the government is monitoring the progress of wildfires in Navarra, Castile and Leon.

“The Military Emergency Unit has been deployed in Zamora and Leon. I express solidarity with residents in all affected areas and once again thank the personnel on duty. Please exercise extreme caution,” Sanchez wrote.