Wildfires rage in Spain

The fire burned an area of ​​about 7,500 hectares in southwestern Spain, forcing the evacuation of more than 500 people.

Spanish authorities said on May 19 that more than 400 firefighters from the civil and military agencies, along with 10 bulldozers, 14 aircraft and 23 fire engines were trying to extinguish a forest fire in Extremadura.

The fire broke out on May 14, burning at least 7,500 hectares. Strong winds made extinguishing the fire “very difficult,” local officials said.

Local authorities evacuated residents in three villages and closed three main roads through the area. Local emergency response agencies asked people to stay away from the affected area so as not to block evacuation routes.

Wildfires rage in Spain

Spanish firefighters participate in extinguishing a forest fire in Extremadura on May 18. Video : UME

Begona Garcia, head of Extremadura's agricultural agency, asked people to report any suspicious activity to police, saying it was possible someone had deliberately started the forest fire.

Spain is experiencing a prolonged drought and has seen several forest fires this year. The drought was made worse by an unusually hot late April, with temperatures reaching summer levels.

Europe saw a number of wildfires last year, with Spain the worst affected. Wildfires in 2022 destroyed a total area of ​​more than 315,000 hectares in Spain, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.

Teresa Ribera, Spain's Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, said the impact of the climate emergency was becoming increasingly clear. According to Ribera, droughts in Spain are becoming more frequent and intense than before due to climate change.

Location of Extremadura in Spain. Graphic: Wikimedia

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP )

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