Spain races to contain blazes before temperatures rise

Spain faces a critical 48-hour window to bring raging wildfires under control before a new heatwave intensifies, authorities announced Monday. The fires, which erupted during the summer holidays, have forced an estimated 60,000 people to evacuate their homes, often leaving behind essential belongings.

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You run to save what you can and then you turn to defend

Volunteer Karim Benali described the devastation near Navaluenga, west of Madrid, where "some 48 homes here; they burned." He spoke to AFP amidst charred earth and trees, the persistent smell of smoke hanging in the air. Spain's Military Emergencies Unit (UME) released a handout photo showing personnel battling a wildfire near Navas del Rey.

The blazes have consumed forests left tinder-dry by successive heatwaves and a prolonged dry spell since May. While overnight conditions of lower temperatures, weaker winds, and higher humidity offered some respite, allowing flames to slow their advance west of the capital, the Madrid regional government stressed the need for continued caution.

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There were some 48 homes here; they burned

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called Monday and Tuesday "absolutely decisive days" for controlling the fires. "The next two days will not bring the most favourable conditions, nor the ones we would have wanted, but they are two days in which we can take the initiative, make progress, and work towards controlling and containing the blaze," he stated.

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The situation has improved slightly, but the fire is still active

Meteorological agency AEMET forecasts a surge in fire risk to "very high or extreme levels across almost the entire country" from Tuesday, with temperatures potentially hitting 40C (104F) in central and southern Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged citizens to "exercise extreme caution and take every possible precaution," warning of "difficult hours, complex hours" ahead.

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Monday and Tuesday “are absolutely decisive days” to control the fires