MADRID— Wildfires have burned about 70,000 hectares (173,000 acres) across Spain so far this year, well above seasonal averages, as firefighters continue to battle multiple blazes amid prolonged heat and dry conditions that authorities say have intensified fire risk across the country.
The Ministry for the Ecological Transition publishes provisional weekly wildfire data showing a sharp increase in burned area during the first half of 2026, while Spain's National Security Department has reported that the number of large forest fires has exceeded recent annual averages. Officials say the figures remain subject to revision as assessments continue.
The latest fires have affected several regions, including Andalusia, Catalonia and other parts of the country, stretching firefighting resources during successive periods of high temperatures. Authorities have deployed hundreds of firefighters, aircraft and military emergency units to contain the blazes where necessary.
Earlier this month, a wildfire in the southern province of Almería became Spain's deadliest in decades, killing 13 people before firefighters brought the blaze under control. The fire scorched about 7,000 hectares, prompting widespread evacuations and a large emergency response. Authorities later eased emergency measures after stabilising the fire and allowing residents to return to affected communities.
The Spanish government has expanded firefighting resources for the 2026 season following severe fires in recent years. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in May that Spain had launched its largest-ever state wildfire deployment, including additional aircraft, helicopters and specialised firefighting brigades, after authorities warned that warmer conditions and increasing water stress were raising the risk of major fires.
Officials have repeatedly urged the public to follow evacuation orders and fire safety restrictions as extreme temperatures continue across much of southern Europe. Fire experts say hot, dry and windy weather has left vegetation highly combustible, increasing the likelihood that new ignitions could spread rapidly.
Spain is among several European countries facing an active wildfire season, with large fires also reported in France, Portugal and Greece. European monitoring agencies have warned that burned areas across the region are running above historical averages as the peak summer fire season continues.
Spanish authorities said firefighting operations remain underway at active incidents, while emergency services continue monitoring weather conditions and updating wildfire risk assessments as the summer progresses.
