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Thousands in Spain return home but new heatwave raises wildfire fears
Spanish authorities have allowed thousands of people evacuated because of wildfires in the Toledo, Madrid, Ávila and Castellón areas to return home, as some blazes stabilise. However, both Spain and France are bracing for a fourth heatwave of the summer, with fire officials warning that higher temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds could reignite fires or spark new ones, particularly around the town of Burgohondo west of Madrid.
In the Madrid region alone, 24,000 people have been cleared to return home and lockdowns lifted for a further 20,000. The Burgohondo fire in Ávila province, which has burned more than 43,000 hectares and forced 40,000 people from their homes, is now considered the largest wildfire in Spanish history, with a 180km perimeter that firefighters are working to stabilise. In south-west France, major fires in the Gironde region remain "stabilised" despite flare-ups, though 16 departments are under orange heatwave alert with temperatures forecast up to 41C, prompting special protective measures at defence and aerospace sites. Separately, a woman badly burned in an earlier fire in Almería has died, bringing that fire's death toll to 14.
In short
- Spain lifts evacuation orders for tens of thousands as fires stabilise
- New heatwave in Spain and France threatens to reignite wildfires
- Burgohondo fire is now Spain's largest ever recorded wildfire
Explained simply
Spain has experienced major wildfires across multiple regions including Toledo, Madrid, Ávila and Castellón over recent weeks, forcing tens of thousands of residents from their homes. These fires have destroyed large areas of forest and farmland, affecting communities across the country.
The most significant fire is the Burgohondo blaze in Ávila province, which has become Spain's largest recorded wildfire. It has burned more than 43,000 hectares and displaced approximately 40,000 people, with firefighters working to contain its vast perimeter.
The immediate concern is weather conditions, as forecasts show a new heatwave approaching Spain with high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. Such conditions are highly conducive to wildfires, meaning that partially contained blazes could reignite and new fires could start, keeping Spain's fire risk elevated.
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