Spain deploys army as wildfires rage in western regions

Monday 18 August 2025 - 16:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain deploys army as wildfires rage in western regions

Wildfires persist as Spain battles prolonged heatwave

Spain continues to face relentless wildfires in its northwest and western regions, with army units deployed to support firefighters battling the blazes. The fires come amid the country’s third week of heatwave alerts, with high temperatures exacerbating the crisis.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Saturday that the government is utilizing all available resources to combat the fires. "The government continues to work to fight the fire with all the means at its disposal," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following a coordination meeting.

International support in firefighting efforts

France and Italy have sent water bombers to an airbase near Salamanca to assist Spain in containing the wildfires. The most severe outbreaks have been reported in Castilla y León, Galicia, Asturias, and Extremadura, where flames have ravaged forests and forced the closure of critical infrastructure.

Ten roads remain closed nationwide, and the train line between Madrid and Galicia has been suspended. In Galicia, emergency services sent warning messages urging residents in dozens of towns to remain cautious.

"If you receive this alert: remain calm and read the text carefully," the warnings advised. Residents were instructed to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors, or relocate to safer areas if caught outside.

Firefighters face uphill battle

Images from Castrillo de Cabrera, in northwestern Spain, illustrate the dire situation, as wildfires burn near grazing livestock. Efforts to contain the fires remain challenging due to the extreme heat and dry conditions, which have fueled the rapid spread of flames.

With international support and the deployment of armed forces, Spain is intensifying its efforts to protect affected communities and curb the devastation caused by the fires.