A wildfire in Spain’s Guadalajara region has burned 32,000 hectares, marking one of the largest recorded blazes in the country. This fire comes less than two weeks after a deadly blaze in southern Spain killed 13 people, including several foreigners.

Spanish weather agency AEMET warned on Wednesday, July 23rd, that the danger of wildfires is “very high or extreme” across most of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. Although temperatures are expected to ease slightly in some areas on Thursday, a dry westerly wind is forecast to bring a fresh surge of heat to Mediterranean regions, with highs potentially reaching 42 to 44 degrees Celsius (108 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit).

In France, a wildfire has burned 2,500 hectares in the southeastern Var region, damaging dozens of houses and forcing 400 people to flee their homes. Local authorities reported that less severe temperatures and lighter winds have aided firefighting efforts. Commander William Vogl, a spokesman for the Var firefighters, described the situation as "very difficult" during an interview on RMC radio.

France, which experienced a severe heatwave in late June, recorded 5,764 more deaths than usual between June 17 and July 2, according to authorities. The region of Western Europe recently endured its hottest June on record, intensifying concerns about extreme weather preparedness.

Both Spain and France remain at high risk of further wildfires in the coming days as they continue battling the current blazes amid soaring summer temperatures.

Sources