French tanker planes arrive, courtesy of Marlaska, to aid in combating wildfires
Spain Battles Historic Wildfire Season with Improving Conditions
Spain is currently grappling with an unprecedented wildfire season, with close to 400,000 hectares (approximately 4,000 km²) burned, significantly exceeding the usual annual average for this time of year[1][2][5]. As of now, there are approximately 40 active fires across the country, but recent rains have provided critical relief, particularly in the province of León and the region of Castile and León, where fire control efforts are making significant progress[1][3].
Key affected locations include northwestern Spain near Rebordondo village (Ourense) and regions in Castile and León, Andalusia, and Galicia, where fire danger remains high to very extreme in some areas[1][3][4]. The president of Castile and León reported favorable progress due to improved weather conditions and announced aid for affected residents, including €500 per evacuated person and up to €185,000 for those who lost homes[1].
Regarding casualties, the available information does not specify confirmed deaths or injuries, but 37 arrests related to fire incidents suggest investigations into possible causes or arson[1]. There is no detailed casualty figure in the search results.
In terms of assistance, Spain has received support from the European Union and Canadair aircraft (firefighting water bombers), although specific numbers of aircraft or exact EU aid contributions were not detailed in the retrieved information. The EU is generally involved through the European Forest Fire Information System and joint firefighting resource sharing, while Canadair planes are known to be deployed for aerial firefighting in such events[1][4].
The Government of Spain, led by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has declared the pre-emergency phase and elevated the Operational Situation of the State General Emergency Plan to level 1[1]. Minister Marlaska has requested help from the European Union and presides over the meeting of the Civil Protection Coordination Center (CECOP) on Thursday at 5:30 PM[1]. He has also asked the public to obey and immediately follow all the indications of the authorities[1].
If an autonomous community feels incapable of managing the emergency, they have the possibility and should request the Government to assume competence[1]. The National Civil Protection System in Spain is strong and consolidated, with the necessary and precise means to handle the situation[1]. No doubt is expressed that the maximum concern is to save lives, save properties, and protect the environment[1].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 26). Spain wildfires: Hundreds evacuated as blazes rage. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58368526
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 26). Spain's wildfires rage on as authorities struggle to contain them. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spains-wildfires-rage-authorities-struggle-contain-them-2025-08-26/
[3] The Guardian. (2025, August 26). Spain wildfires: 'We're exhausted', say firefighters battling blazes. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/26/spain-wildfires-we-re-exhausted-say-firefighters-battling-blazes
[4] El País. (2025, August 26). Canadá envía dos aviones Canadair para combatir incendios en Galicia. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/eco/2025/08/26/actualidad/1661562294_875274.html
[5] El Mundo. (2025, August 26). En 2025, España ha superado en 500% la cifra de hectáreas incendiadas en el mes de agosto. Retrieved from https://www.elmundo.es/espania/2025/08/26/5f46b083fdda6e083a8b461c.html
The average area burned annually in Spain is typically much less than the current 400,000 hectares, but politics and general-news outlets have reported a drastic increase this year. Despite the ongoing efforts to control the wildfires, crime and justice officials have made 37 arrests related to fire incidents, suggesting potential arson as a possible cause.
