Raging wildfires in Spain and Portugal drive mass evacuations, mobilizing teams of emergency responders in their thousands

Intense heatwave persists over Iberian Peninsula, triggering numerous wildfires. Multitudes of firefighters dispatched to combat these fires, leading to several evacuations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez travels to stricken areas to consult with emergency service chiefs.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 3 . 12:52 AM

2 min read

Fires ravaging Spain and Portugal necessitate mass evacuations and mobilization of a vast number of... — Fires ravaging Spain and Portugal necessitate mass evacuations and mobilization of a vast number of crisis responders.

Raging wildfires in Spain and Portugal drive mass evacuations, mobilizing teams of emergency responders in their thousands

Spain is currently grappling with its largest-ever civil protection mobilization, as the country experiences its worst wildfire season since 1994. Over 400,000 hectares of land have been ravaged by wildfires so far in 2025, with the largest wildfire this century burning 44,424 hectares in A Rúa, Ourense, Galicia.

The devastating fires have primarily affected northern Spain, exacerbated by record-breaking heat and extremely dry conditions in early August. This has created ideal conditions for these destructive fires, leading to four confirmed deaths and extensive environmental damage in multiple regions.

The Spanish government has launched an unprecedented civil protection response, involving the Guardia Civil, National Police, and multiple emergency services. These efforts have seen tens of thousands of residents evacuated, including 775 from towns near the Picos de Europa national park. Over 120 people have been arrested or investigated for suspected roles in starting the fires.

By late August, officials reported that the fires were nearly contained following a concerted national effort. The ongoing operations by emergency personnel may be the largest European civil protection mobilization in history.

Portugal has also been hit hard by the wildfires, with over 139,000 hectares of land burned, 17 times more than in the same period in 2024. The fires have caused at least one death and several injuries. Most of the fires in Portugal are concentrated in the towns of Arganil and Sátão.

In response, the Portuguese government has requested assistance from the EU's civil protection mechanism. Two Fire Boss aircraft are expected to arrive in Portugal on Monday to reinforce firefighting efforts.

Temperatures in both countries are expected to remain high until Monday, potentially exceeding 44 degrees Celsius in affected areas. Thousands of firefighters have been deployed to battle the wildfires, particularly in Galicia, León, and Cáceres in Spain, and in the North and Central regions of Portugal.

Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has visited affected regions to meet with emergency teams and has stated that the ongoing operations may be the largest European civil protection mobilization in history. He also plans to propose a state pact to adapt Spain to climate change.

The wildfires have sparked a sense of urgency, with Sánchez expressing that the next hours and days are critical. He has announced that an additional 500 military personnel will be provided to fight the fires.

As the Iberian Peninsula continues to battle the heatwave and wildfires, both Spain and Portugal are working tirelessly to contain the blazes and protect their citizens.