Fire in Spain burns 13 thousand hectares and drives hundreds from their homes

Fire started on Thursday (16) near the village of La Mierla, in the province of Guadalajara, and has intensified in recent days. Local authorities reported this Sunday (19) that the flames have already consumed more than 13 thousand hectares.

The fire affects more than 700 people and led to the displacement of hundreds of residents. The Castile-La Mancha fire prevention and fighting service says the affected area includes the Sierra Norte Natural Park.

The operation mobilizes around 350 firefighters and members of the Military Emergency Unit, with air support. According to authorities, 25 aircraft are fighting the fire.

So far, there are no reports of casualties, but the fire remains classified as "difficult". The regional president of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, used the social network X to describe the situation.

The affected area is mountainous and forested and is home to threatened species. Among them, eagles, wolves and butterflies.

SPAIN PREPARES FOR NEW HEAT WAVE

Authorities are monitoring the fires on the eve of a new heat wave expected to begin on Tuesday (21). The forecast is for temperatures above 40°C in much of the country, with the possibility of exceeding 45°C in isolated areas.

Spain recorded the worst recent year in terms of burned area in 2025, with more than 393 thousand hectares consumed. The data is from the European Forest Fire Information System.

Since the beginning of this year, almost 82 thousand hectares have been reduced to ashes in the country. While visiting the fire in Andalusia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that "the effects of the climate emergency are worsening" and warned of a "difficult summer".

At the beginning of July, a fire in Andalusia left 13 people dead and devastated 7,000 hectares. The fire began on July 9 and has been described as one of the deadliest in the country's recent history.

*With information from reports published on 07/19/2026 and 07/19/2026.

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