MADRID, Spain — Spain is facing a worsening national crisis as over 20 large-scale wildfires continue to burn across the country, fueled by a scorching and prolonged heatwave. The relentless blazes have resulted in a significant loss of land, infrastructure damage, and tragic fatalities, prompting the government to deploy its military to assist overwhelmed firefighters.
The situation is particularly dire in the northwestern region of Galicia, where more than a dozen major fires are raging near the city of Ourense. Their primary mission is to support the exhausted firefighters and help contain the most volatile blazes.
The crisis has also prompted an international response. More assistance from other European countries is anticipated in the coming days as the battle against the fires intensifies.
A Climate Emergency on the Frontlines
Beyond the immediate emergency, officials and climate scientists are sounding the alarm, pointing to climate change as the primary driver of this year’s extreme fire season. The fires have also disrupted major infrastructure, with high-speed train services between Madrid and Galicia suspended.
As the fires continue to rage, the focus remains on containing the blazes and providing relief to the thousands of displaced citizens.