Firefighters are working around the clock to tackle three major wildfires in the regions of Extremadura, Castile and León, and Galicia, as dry conditions, high winds, and suspected arson intensify the emergency.
Extremadura: Las Hurdes Faces Worst Fire of the Season
In the western region of Extremadura, the Caminomorisco fire in the Las Hurdes comarca has emerged as the most dangerous wildfire of the summer. Believed to be human-caused—either by accident, negligence, or arson—the blaze has already consumed nearly 2,600 hectares of forest and scrubland.
The flames have swept through a 28.5-kilometre perimeter, forcing the evacuation of over 200 residents from six villages, including Cambrón, Dehesilla, and Robledo, as well as parts of Caminomorisco's outskirts.
Around 400 emergency responders have been deployed in the rugged terrain, with officials saying between 65 and 70 per cent of the fire's perimeter has now been stabilised. Weather conditions have somewhat improved, aiding firefighting efforts. Still, authorities caution that difficult terrain in the northwestern flank—particularly around Avellanar—may prolong suppression operations.
Ávila: Suspected Arson Behind Fire Threatening Mountain Villages
Meanwhile, in the province of Ávila, central Spain, emergency services are tackling a raging wildfire that erupted Monday night in the steep ravines of the Barranco de las Cinco Villas.
The blaze has scorched an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 hectares, with flames creeping alarmingly close to the town of El Arenal, where they came within 100 metres of homes. In nearby Mombeltrán, a precautionary lockdown was temporarily enforced and later lifted after fire crews intervened.
Rough terrain and erratic winds have made firefighting especially difficult. Over 500 personnel are currently on the ground. Local officials suspect intentional ignition, although a formal investigation is ongoing.
Galicia: Multiple Ignition Points Spark Concerns of Deliberate Fire Setting
In the northwestern province of Pontevedra, Galicia, the fire near A Cañiza has set off alarm bells after it was revealed that five separate ignition points were found along a single roadside—suggesting deliberate fire-setting.
The fire, which has so far destroyed over 200 hectares, has led to the deployment of the Military Emergency Unit (UME). The proximity of the flames to Nogueiró village prompted urgent evacuations and round-the-clock intervention.
"This fire advanced with extreme speed due to five ignition points and very difficult weather conditions," said María José Gómez, Galicia's minister for rural affairs. Strong winds and low humidity have worsened the situation, leaving crews in a race against time.
A Summer of Smoke and Strain
So far in 2025, Spain has recorded at least 14 major wildfires, burning through over 42,000 hectares of land, according to official figures. This summer's fire season, exacerbated by persistent drought and extreme temperatures, mirrors the broader climate-driven wildfire surge seen across southern Europe.
Experts warn that increasing temperatures and shifting weather patterns are intensifying the frequency and scale of fires, while human activity continues to play a significant role in ignition.
A Complex Emergency Requiring Coordinated Action
The government's emergency response has involved coordinated efforts between regional agencies like INFOEX, national forces, and the UME, who are relying on aerial firefighting units, ground brigades, and satellite monitoring systems.
The three current blazes underscore the varied challenges firefighters face: inaccessible mountains in Las Hurdes, urban proximity in Ávila, and simultaneous ignition points under dry, windy conditions in Galicia.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid risky behavior in forested areas as fire risks remain at critical levels in several provinces.