Spain penetrates forest fires, but the situation remains ‘treacherous’

Spain reports success in combating the devastating natural fires. “There are fewer and fewer, and the end is getting closer,” said Virginia Barcones, the head of civil protection. Despite the decrease, the situation is treacherous according to her and the fighting of the fires is necessary “to get rid of this terrible situation”,

weeks-long heat waves, powerful winds and increasing drought led to destructive natural fires in Spain and other parts of southern Europe. In Spain there are still thirteen.

Barcones is particularly concerned about an advancing forest fire in Igüeña, in the northwest. The

Yet Barcones thinks that the worst is over. “We need a final push to leave this terrible situation behind us.”

Four people died in Spain through the natural fires. This year more than 406,000 hectares of nature have been destroyed, reports the European Forest Branding Agency Effis . That is an area almost the same size as the province of Noord-Holland. It is the most destructive ‘natural fire season’ in Spain since 1994.

Dutch support

Spanish firefighters receive support from European colleagues . Also The Dutch fire brigade offers help.

Two Dutch Chinook helicopters were used in northwestern Spain. Water is thrown from the helicopters from folding bags.

In neighboring Portugal, the death toll has risen to four due to the death of a 45-year-old firefighter. He suffered injuries when fighting a natural fire in Sabugal. This year more than 278,000 hectares of land have been destroyed in Portugal.