Overview

• Spain's civil protection chief said the worst is "nearing its end" as firefighters work to contain about 18 active hotspots, with Igüeña flagged as the most worrisome front.
• Year to date, more than 400,000 hectares have burned in Spain, the highest annual total on EFFIS records.
• In Portugal, roughly 1,600 firefighters and aircraft are attacking the central Arganil fire, which a forest science professor told AFP is likely the largest ever recorded in the country with an estimated 60,000 hectares scorched.
• The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has deployed support, with crews and assets from Sweden, Greece, France and other countries assisting operations in both nations.
• Authorities report severe impacts and human causes: Spain has evacuated over 34,000 people with four deaths, Portugal has recorded three fatalities, and Spain's Guardia Civil links about 96% of ignitions to human activity with dozens of suspects detained or under investigation.