A wildfire in the western Spanish region of Extremadura has wreaked havoc, engulfing an estimated 3,700 acres of land and resulting in the evacuation of 550 individuals from their homes. The challenging windy weather conditions have further complicated efforts to bring the inferno under control, as stated by emergency services on Friday.
Commander David Barona of the Military Emergency Unit expressed the difficulties faced by firefighters in combating the blaze. He highlighted the presence of strong gusts of wind, which significantly hindered their extinguishing endeavors. The smoke plume, spreading at a low altitude, added to the challenges by impeding air assets' access to the affected area.
Approximately 250 firefighters are currently battling the flames in Pinofranqueado, located in Caceres province near the Portuguese border. The authorities have issued evacuation orders for the villages of Cadalso, Descargamaría, and Robledillo de Gata, affecting up to 550 residents.
Investigations point to the fire being intentionally set, leading officials to describe it as a substantial attack on the local vegetation and surrounding areas. Nieves Villar, the head of Extremadura emergency services, expressed concerns about the severity of the situation during a news briefing.
Southern Europe has experienced an abnormally dry winter, exacerbating the wildfire risk. Spain, in particular, has faced three consecutive years of below-average rainfall, further raising the danger of such incidents. Last year alone, a record-breaking 307,000 hectares were destroyed by 493 fires in Spain, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.
Efforts to contain the wildfire in Extremadura remain ongoing as firefighters, emergency services, and authorities strive to protect lives, homes, and the affected natural environment. The blaze serves as a reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent and combat wildfires amidst changing climatic conditions and heightened risks across the region.