Spain Battles Massive Wildfire as 500 Evacuated

A massive wildfire near the medieval town of Niebla in southwestern Spain burned out of control on Monday as strong winds and rugged terrain hampered efforts to contain the blaze. Embers carried by the wind are creating new hotspots in several directions.

According to Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, the flames have already burned nearly 20,000 ha. Firefighting operations are expected to continue for several more days. Nearly 500 people have been evacuated from the area as a precaution.

Spain is facing an exceptionally destructive wildfire season. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 244,000ha have already burned in 400 fires this year. That is six times the area burned during the same period last year.

Other dangerous wildfires are burning in the provinces of Segovia and Castellón. In Segovia, a fire was sparked by a car that caught fire on a highway, prompting the evacuation of 176 residents from two towns. The situation improved slightly overnight as humidity increased.

In the eastern town of Tírig in Castellón, around 800 ha have burned and 900 people have been evacuated. Firefighters have nearly brought the blaze under control after more favorable weather overnight. Conditions across much of the region, however, remain critical.

(Reuters, Max)