Uncontrolled wildfire burns 10,000 hectares in eastern Spain

A wildfire raged uncontrolled in eastern Spain on Wednesday, consuming 10,000 hectares of forest land and experiencing several flare-ups the previous day. Meanwhile, fires in the country's center showed signs of improvement after scorching over 85,000 hectares, though a new heatwave is anticipated.

Aircraft began tackling the blaze in Vall d'Uixó, Castellón province, early Wednesday. Firefighting efforts were hampered Tuesday by atmospheric conditions, according to the provincial fire consortium. The fire's perimeter now stretches 75.5 kilometers, though the number of evacuated residents has decreased to 10,000.

In the southwest of Madrid, fire intensity lessened overnight due to improved weather and ground operations. This fire has devastated approximately 34,000 hectares. Authorities remain cautious due to the heatwave beginning Wednesday. While 11,000 people remain evacuated in Madrid, restrictions have ended for another 44,000 displaced or confined individuals.

In the neighboring province of Ávila, where over 50,000 hectares have burned in what is described as Spain's worst-ever wildfire, authorities reported favorable progress in control and stabilization efforts. Residents in numerous municipalities have been allowed to return home. Beyond the irreplaceable loss of natural heritage, the fires have destroyed hundreds of homes, vehicles, businesses, farms, and infrastructure, leading to the closure of many roads.