Thousands in Spain return home but new heatwave raises wildfire fears

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Spanish authorities have begun allowing thousands of wildfire evacuees to go back to their homes after restrictions were eased in parts of Toledo, Madrid, Ávila and Castellón. In the Madrid region, officials said 24,000 people had been cleared to return, while lockdown measures affecting another 20,000 were removed. The development comes as Spain and France prepare for a fourth heatwave of the summer, with several fires still active.

Near Madrid, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the coming hours would be critical for efforts to contain the fire, citing the risks posed by heat, low humidity and possible wind gusts. BBC reported that a fire at Burgohondo, west of Madrid in Ávila province, has burned more than 43,000 hectares and forced 40,000 people from their homes. Fire officials said the blaze had not advanced overnight, but warned that rising temperatures could cause renewed activity along a large perimeter. Another fire, at Vall d’Uixó northwest of Valencia, remained uncontrolled.

In south-west France, fires in Gironde were described as stabilised, though officials warned that dry winds and temperatures of up to 41C could worsen conditions. Special measures were deployed to protect industrial sites linked to defence and aerospace production. Heat alerts were also in place across 16 French departments.

BBC also noted fire activity in Portugal’s Vila Real district and in parts of Greece. The widespread outbreaks underline the pressure on emergency services across southern Europe as extreme heat and dry conditions continue to raise wildfire risks.