Spain faces two crucial days to bring raging wildfires under control before weather conditions worsen, authorities said Monday. The wildfires, which broke out in forested areas around the Spanish capital during the summer holidays, have forced some 60,000 people to evacuate. Firefighters have made some progress, but with temperatures set to soar and humidity levels to drop, they face a narrow window of opportunity to contain the blazes. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska warned that 'today and tomorrow are absolutely decisive days' to control the fires, as conditions are expected to become highly unfavorable from Wednesday.
Evacuations and Losses
The wildfires have devastated communities, with many evacuees leaving behind pets and essential items. Karim Benali, a volunteer near Navaluenga, described the frantic efforts to save what they could before turning to defend against the fire. Maria Angeles Canete, who lost her home at a campsite near Navaluenga, expressed her grief, stating, 'We lost everything.'
Weather and Climate Impact
The fires have been exacerbated by forests left dry from successive heatwaves and lack of rain since May. Meteorological agency AEMET forecasts temperatures to reach 40°C in central and southern Spain, with fire risk surging to very high or extreme levels across the country. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez directly blamed global warming, describing the fires as 'the most painful expression of a climate emergency.'
Efforts to Control the Blazes
Overnight, lower temperatures, weaker winds, and higher air humidity helped slow the advance of the flames west of Madrid. The Madrid regional government urged residents to remain 'extremely cautious' as the situation has improved slightly but the fire remains active. Authorities are planning to restore bus services and allow farmers to return to feed their animals in some areas.
