Spain has intensified its efforts to combat widespread wildfires across the country, deploying an additional 500 troops over the weekend to bolster firefighting operations. This brings the total number of military personnel involved in the emergency response to 1,900, as flames continue to tear through large swathes of land in the northwest and west of the country.
The ongoing crisis has already claimed four lives in Spain and neighbouring Portugal, and left several others critically injured. The fires are among the most devastating seen in recent years, fuelled by scorching temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds across southern Europe.
On Sunday, a firefighter died in Castile and León, one of the worst-hit regions, when the fire truck he was operating lost control and plunged down a steep hill. The regional government confirmed the tragic incident, which took place during an intense battle against fast-moving flames in rugged terrain.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences and sorrow on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that he felt “deep sadness and desolation” over the firefighter’s death. “These men and women are risking everything to protect lives, homes, and nature. They are true heroes,” he added.
In neighbouring Portugal, which is also battling multiple large fires, another firefighter lost their life on Sunday. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa confirmed that the individual died in a traffic accident while en route to assist with fire suppression efforts. He described the incident as a “tragic loss” and paid tribute to all firefighters working under extreme conditions.
In Spain, at least 27,000 residents have been forced to evacuate from their homes, particularly in regions such as Castile and León and Galicia. Emergency services and local authorities are urging people to remain alert and to follow evacuation orders promptly as fire conditions remain unpredictable.
In Castile and León, thick smoke has made air quality dangerously poor. Spanish broadcaster Radio 5 reported on Monday that the air in several towns and villages was “unbreathable,” with authorities advising residents to stay indoors and limit exposure when possible.
Spain Deploys More Troops as Wildfire Death Toll Rises to Four Across Iberian Peninsula
The situation is similarly dire in the western province of Cáceres, where one of the largest fires remains out of control. So far, more than 11,000 hectares (approximately 27,200 acres) have been scorched in that area alone.
In the north-western region of Galicia, twelve wildfires are currently active, most of them in the province of Ourense. The largest blaze there has already consumed an estimated 17,500 hectares.
In addition to the fatalities, fires in Castile and León on Sunday left at least five people injured — four of them critically. Emergency services said several were caught off guard by rapidly advancing flames and had to be rescued by helicopter.
The past week has seen further tragedy: two volunteers died in the province of León while fighting fires, and another man perished in Tres Cantos, near Madrid, when a fire broke out unexpectedly.
These deaths bring the total fire-related fatalities in Spain and Portugal this summer to at least four, with more injuries likely as the situation unfolds.
This year is shaping up to be one of Spain’s worst wildfire seasons on record. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), nearly 343,000 hectares have burned across the country so far in 2025 — almost double the area destroyed by wildfires in 2024.
The fires are being driven by extreme heat, with temperatures in some parts of southern Europe exceeding 40°C (104°F) during recent heatwaves. Other countries — including Greece, France, Turkey, and nations in the Balkans — are also facing dangerous wildfires.
In response to the escalating crisis, Spanish authorities have begun investigating the causes behind several recent fires. The Civil Guard announced over the weekend that it has proposed sanctions against four individuals in the Galicia region for conducting unauthorized agricultural burns in A Coruña — a risky practice during high fire danger periods.
In Spain, causing a wildfire — even accidentally — is considered a criminal offence and can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
As emergency crews continue to battle the flames, government officials and environmental agencies are urging citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity that could spark new fires. The deployment of additional troops reflects the severity of the crisis and the growing strain on regional firefighting services.
“We are facing an unprecedented challenge,” Prime Minister Sánchez said in a televised statement. “Our priority remains the safety of all citizens and the protection of our natural heritage. We must stand united in the face of this emergency.”
With forecasts predicting continued hot and dry conditions over the coming days, the battle against Iberia’s wildfires is far from over.
Source- BBC
