Madrid, July 29: The ongoing extreme heat in Europe has reignited concerns as wildfires continue to devastate forests in Spain and France. In the Valencian region of Castellón, a wildfire has spread uncontrollably, affecting approximately 10,000 hectares of land. Meanwhile, the French government has heightened its alertness in response to rising temperatures, prompting Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne to cancel her vacation to monitor the crisis.
According to Spanish media, the fire in the Vall d’Uixó area has already impacted nearly 81 kilometers of terrain. In light of the fire’s threat, around 10,000 people have been evacuated to safety. Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE reports that the blaze in Vall d’Uixó remains out of control, with firefighting teams actively working to contain it.
Firefighting operations are ongoing in several regions, including Madrid, Ávila, Toledo, Castellón, and Almería. The primary challenge for officials is to prevent the fire from spreading again amid a new heatwave.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited a command post in Navalcarnero on Wednesday. He stated that the current situation remains “favorable,” but maintaining the progress made by firefighting teams over the next 12 hours will be the biggest challenge.
Sánchez urged displaced residents to remain patient, emphasizing that decisions regarding their return home are based on scientific assessments rather than political considerations, ensuring their safety.
On Wednesday night, thousands of people around Madrid were allowed to return home. However, emergency services are still engaged in firefighting efforts. Approximately 24,000 individuals have been permitted to go home, while another 20,000 have been relieved from stay-at-home orders.
After overnight operations, conditions have improved, but local authorities have advised residents to stay vigilant due to the new heatwave. Officials are now focused on securing the fire’s perimeter, monitoring for new hotspots, and cooling affected areas.
Prime Minister Sánchez also cautioned the public against rumors and conspiracy theories circulating on social media.
In France, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has postponed her vacation in light of the wildfire crisis. Although progress has been made in controlling the fires, concerns remain regarding the new heatwave that began on Wednesday.
Sophie Broca, the prefect of the Gironde and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions, reported that the fire is currently under control, with some flare-ups managed overnight.
Eric Brocardi, communication director of the French Firefighters Federation, told BFM TV, “We will win this battle.” However, the risk of new wildfires in France persists due to rising temperatures, with 65 departments placed under high fire risk warnings.
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