Wildfires have once again placed Spain on high alert, experiencing a summer marked by extreme temperatures, wind, and prolonged drought. These factors have fueled a succession of large-scale fires, particularly in the interior and northwestern regions, where dry vegetation and difficult terrain hinder firefighting efforts.
Spanish Civil Protection reported 15 significant active fires, most requiring state support. Castile and León, Asturias, and Galicia were the most affected regions. The Larouco fire in Galicia is noted as the largest in the region's history, consuming over 30,000 hectares, while the Jarilla fire in Extremadura burned approximately 16,800 hectares.
In July 2026, the situation remained concerning with six major fires active across several provinces. The heatwave elevated the risk to extreme, complicating extinguishing efforts and increasing the likelihood of new outbreaks. Hundreds were evacuated preventatively, and tens of thousands displaced throughout the campaign, with investigations suggesting criminal causes in some instances.
The Spanish response has relied on strong coordination between firefighters, civil protection, the armed forces, and European aid, including the activation of the European civil protection mechanism. By mid-July, approximately 120,000 hectares had burned, a figure sharply increasing due to episodes of intense heat.
