MADRID – Spain has activated the European Union’s assistance mechanism to combat at least 14 major wildfires sweeping through the countary, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced on Wednesday. The request includes two Canadair firefighting aircraft, with the government prepared to ask for additional resources such as more firefighting personnel if needed. Established in 2001, the EU mechanism enables the 27 member states and 10 partner countries to provide mutual aid during emergencies.
The fires, driven by extreme heat and strong winds, have scorched thousands of hectares across Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and León and Galicia. Two people have been killed in Castile and León, while seven others were hospitalized on Wednesday. More than 8,000 residents have been evacuated as a precaution due to blazes in León and Zamora provinces. Galicia’s regional president, Alfonso Rueda, reported that around thirty fires are being tackled daily, with Ourense province especially hard hit.
In total, an estimated 11,500 hectares have burned in Galicia, including a major fire in Chandrexa de Queixa that firefighters have yet to bring under control. The situation mirrors similar wildfire crises in other parts of Europe, notably France and Portugal, where prolonged heatwaves and strong winds have created ideal conditions for devastating blazes.