Spain PM Says Coming Hours ‘Decisive’ for Ending Fires

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday regarding the efforts to combat a major wildfire near Madrid. He stated that the situation was progressing favorably and that the next 12 hours would be crucial for consolidating the work of the firefighters. Sanchez spoke at a command center in Navalcarnero, a town near the fire zone, emphasizing that they were closer to achieving the objective of defeating the blaze. Emergency services have been battling the fire since last Thursday, as well as another in the nearby province of Avila, which officials have called the worst in Spain's recent history. The combined blazes have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, though many have since been permitted to return to their homes. Sanchez indicated he hoped to announce soon that more residents, particularly in Avila, would be able to return home. The wildfires have collectively scorched nearly 80,000 hectares (200,000 acres) of land.

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Today I believe we are closer to that final objective of defeating the fire.