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Continuing from coverage last week, Spain is now facing a ninth consecutive day of devastating wildfires that have scorched over 115,000 hectares, forced thousands to flee their homes, and claimed three lives.

 

Despite reinforcements from both the Spanish Navy and neighbouring countries, the flames still rage across vast stretches of the country.

 

Castilla y León remains the worst-hit region, with over 20 active fires across Zamora, León, Salamanca and Ávila. Nine of these are classified as level 2 - Spain’s highest risk level. Notably, the blaze that began in Cipérez is now the largest fire on record for Salamanca.

 

Extremadura also continues to struggle with the Jarilla fire, which has consumed around 11,000 hectares. The blaze has prompted evacuations in Gargantilla and forced the residents of Hervás to stay indoors. “We don’t have the capacity to extinguish 70 percent of the fire; it’s in the hands of weather conditions,” said regional Minister Abel Bautista.

 

In Galicia, 14 fires are still active, including one that has crossed from Ourense into El Bierzo in León. Train services between Zamora and Ourense, as well as the high-speed line between Madrid and Galicia, remain suspended at least through Monday August 18, confirmed Renfe.

 

Support has come from an unexpected source: around 100 marines from the Marine Infantry Brigade of the Spanish Navy ("Tercio de Armada") have departed Cádiz to join firefighting and surveillance operations. The Navy had already been active in Galicia through “Operation Centinela Gallego 25,” launched on Friday August 15, to deter new fires. The Navy states it remains “ready to provide the capabilities, personnel and resources requested, thus demonstrating its commitment to Spanish society, wherever necessary.”

 

Meanwhile, through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, Spain has accepted firefighting support from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Slovakia. This includes two Dutch Chinooks (7,000-litre capacity), one Slovak Black Hawk (3,400-litre capacity), two Italian Canadair aircraft operating from Salamanca, a German ground unit (up to 60 personnel and 20 vehicles), and an additional French fire team expected in León. These teams are being integrated into existing Spanish emergency efforts under coordination between the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Military Emergency Unit.

 

Asturias reported 14 fires by the end of Sunday, with seven still active. In the Valencian Community, there was relief as the Teresa de Cofrentes and Xàtiva fires were brought under control on Saturday evening.

 

Since the fire season began on Sunday June 1, Spanish authorities have made 27 arrests for suspected arson and are investigating 97 more individuals.

 

 

Images: Ministerio de Defensa