Spain arrests dozens in connection with summer wildfires

Thursday 14 August 2025 - 16:30

Spain’s Civil Guard announced on Thursday the arrest of at least four additional individuals linked to a series of forest fires that have ravaged the country throughout the summer, bringing the total number of fire-related arrests to around thirty.

Among those detained is a man suspected of intentionally setting a fire that destroyed 2,200 hectares across the municipalities of Cuevas del Valle, Mombeltrán, and El Arenal, in the Castile and León region. This northwestern area has been one of the hardest hit this year, with close to 40,000 hectares already consumed by flames.

Another arrest was made on Thursday morning in connection with a fire believed to be caused by negligence. That blaze burned approximately 3,000 hectares near Puercas de Aliste and Gallegos del Río, also in Castile and León.

Earlier this week, a third man was apprehended for his suspected role in another blaze in Filiel-Lucillo, where about two hectares were destroyed.

Additionally, the Civil Guard reported an arrest in the southern province of Málaga, where one individual is believed to have been responsible for starting six forest fires between July 19 and August 3. Several of these fires were reportedly set dangerously close to residential areas.

Spain’s Interior Minister reminded the public on Wednesday that 25 arrests had already been made this summer, stressing that a “significant number” of wildfires are intentionally caused, while others stem from reckless behavior.

The situation remains critical in Castile and León, where two volunteers tragically lost their lives while battling the flames. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), over 37,000 hectares have been scorched in that region alone since Sunday.