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Spain Sees Early Easing in Devastating Wildfires as International Reinforcements Land

Cooling weather offers firefighters a chance to stabilize fronts following weeks of intense heat.

A wildfire burns out of control in a forest near Rebordondo village, near Ourense, in northwestern Spain, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/Pablo Garcia)
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Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar)
Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar)

Overview

  • The European Forest Fire Information System reports more than 382,000 hectares burned in Spain this year, with four deaths confirmed.
  • Roughly 1,900 military personnel are supporting thousands of firefighters, and German units arrived Tuesday with more than 20 vehicles as water‑bombing aircraft continue operations.
  • AEMET says fire risk remains very high to extreme in Galicia despite lower temperatures, and officials report some stabilization of active fronts.
  • Transport and access remain disrupted with earlier suspensions of Madrid–Galicia high‑speed rail, multiple road closures, and a 50‑kilometre stretch of the Camino de Santiago shut.
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is visiting Extremadura and plans emergency‑zone declarations and a climate preparedness pact, while the Civil Guard reports 23 detainees and 89 under investigation for suspected arson.