Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:19am on 20 Aug 2025,Wednesday International
Massive wildfires have scorched approximately 38,000 hectares in just 24 hours—nearly matching the total area burned in all of 2024—across Extremadura, Galicia, and Castile and León. In total, about 382,600 hectares have burned so far this year, more than four times the 2006-2024 average . The closure of roads, rail services, and a 50 km stretch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail has hampered local life . With the end of a 16-day heatwave and forecasts of cooler, wetter weather, authorities report stabilizing conditions . The Spanish army, reinforced by EU aid, has deployed 3,400 troops and 50 aircraft to assist firefighting efforts . Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged emergency aid and proposed making climate emergency policies permanent, while dozens face arrest in suspected arson investigations.
