Spain Faces Worst Wildfire Crisis in Decades: 14 Major Blazes Rage Amid Heatwave

Spain faces its worst wildfire crisis in two decades as 14 major blazes rage across the country, fueled by a relentless heatwave and strong southerly winds. The fires have already claimed seven lives and scorched an area double the annual average equivalent to Greater London.

Emergency services director Virginia Barcones has issued warnings about the extremely worrying conditions, with temperatures forecasted to rise. The wildfires have forced highway closures, paralyzed rail services, and triggered evacuations in regions like Galicia and Ourense.

The AEMET weather agency has issued an extreme fire risk alert for the northern and western regions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has cautioned citizens to brace for more challenges ahead.