Europe urged by Spain to collaborate in combating destructive wildfires
Update on Wildfires in Galicia, Spain
As of August 23, 2025, the wildfires ravaging Galicia, Spain, are nearing containment following one of the worst wildfire seasons the country has experienced since 1994. The fires, fueled by intense heatwaves and dry conditions, have had a significant impact on the region and the broader Iberian Peninsula.
The province of Ourense in Galicia has been particularly affected, with firefighters battling a large fire in Chandrexa de Queixa. According to reports, around 11,500 hectares have been destroyed by the fires in Galicia alone[1][2][3]. The broader wildfire crisis across Spain has resulted in nearly 400,000 hectares burned this year[1][2][3].
The 2025 wildfire season in Spain is the worst in over 30 years, surpassing previous records by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS)[4]. Firefighters have been engaged in a "final push" to control and extinguish the remaining active blazes, with officials reporting that containment is close[4].
The fires have caused widespread environmental and economic damage, affecting forests, wildlife, agriculture, and local communities. The scale of destruction is historic, and firefighting efforts have been intense due to the extreme fire danger posed by prolonged heatwaves[1][2].
Unfortunately, one death has been reported due to the fires in Spain, with a 35-year-old volunteer losing his life while fighting a fire[5]. Seven people were hospitalized on Wednesday in Castile and León, including a 37-year-old man with burns over more than 85% of his body and a 56-year-old woman with burns over half of her body[6]. Two men, aged 64 and 36, are among the hospitalized individuals in critical condition[6].
Strong gusts of wind have worsened concerns during the day, with the northwest of Spain experiencing 15 major fires that are causing concern for firefighters and authorities[7]. High-speed train services between Madrid and Galicia were suspended due to a fire near the infrastructure[8]. More than 8,000 people were evacuated as a precaution due to two fires in the provinces of León and Zamora[8].
Despite the progress made in combating the wildfires, the situation remains critical, with the region of Galicia still severely affected[9]. The heat wave in Spain is expected to last until Monday[10]. The Spanish interior minister has announced a request for two Canadair aircraft from the EU's aid mechanism to combat fires in Spain[11].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6] [7] [Source 7] [8] [Source 8] [9] [Source 9] [10] [Source 10] [11] [Source 11]
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