Fires in Spain's wilderness close to being extinguished, confirms head of civil protection

Record-Breaking Wildfires Ravage Spain, Prompting Climate Change Concerns

Spain is currently battling its worst wildfire season on record, with over 403,000 hectares (996,000 acres) scorched since the beginning of the year. The regions hardest hit by the wildfires have been Castile and León, Extremadura, Galicia, and Zamora, León, and Ourense provinces.

The wildfires flared during a two-week heatwave that sent temperatures to 40C and above. Lower humidity in the air, vegetation, and soil has made it easier for wildfires to ignite and harder to control once they spread. As of now, there are still 18 active wildfires, with all but one classified at operational level 2, indicating a danger to people and property.

According to Spain's civil protection chief, Virginia Barcones, the country is close to bringing the massive wildfires under control. However, she warned that the situation remains treacherous, and a final push is needed to end the crisis.

The wildfires have claimed the lives of four people and scorched vast areas of land. The fires have fueled accusations that politicians mishandled the crisis, with the main opposition party, the conservative Popular Party, accusing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of withholding aid to damaged regions where its officials govern.

The fire emergency has highlighted issues related to climate change and trends that have left Spain's countryside vulnerable. According to EFFIS data analyzed by AFP, Spain is one of four EU countries experiencing its worst year for wildfires since statistics began in 2006. Scientists say climate change is driving longer, more intense, and more frequent heatwaves worldwide.

One of the concerns for Spain's civil protection chief is a fire in Iguena, northwest Castile and Leon. Despite the progress made in containing the wildfires, the situation remains critical, and all efforts are being made to extinguish the remaining flames.

As the wildfires subside, residents are slowly returning to their properties. Many villages remain evacuated, but numerous residents have been able to return since Friday. The wildfire emergency has underscored the need for urgent action to address climate change and protect vulnerable regions from future disasters.