Overview

• AEMET has issued ‘very high to extreme’ wildfire warnings nationwide and predicts the heatwave will last into Monday with temperatures climbing above 40 °C in several regions.
• At least 16 large blazes have burned over 150,000 hectares, killed seven people and prompted mass evacuations in Galicia, Castile and León and other provinces.
• Spain’s Military Emergency Unit has deployed about 1,300 personnel and 440 vehicles, supported by international water-bombers and a 50% rise in private aerial firefighting hours.
• Rail services between Madrid and Galicia remain suspended and multiple highways are closed as authorities issue safety guidance urging residents to avoid midday exertion and never leave vulnerable people unattended in vehicles.
• Tensions have grown between central and regional governments over the allocation of air assets and coordination of firefighting efforts.