Spain fights two wildfires burning over 29,000 hectares

A major wildfire in central Spain has scorched thousands of hectares and forced hundreds of people from their homes, as firefighters battle a second large blaze in the country's northeast amid a severe heatwave. The fire in Guadalajara province, north of Madrid, had burned approximately 13,000 hectares by July 19 and remained active after igniting on July 16.

Authorities reported that around 300 firefighters, supported by 26 water-dropping aircraft, were working to contain the difficult blaze. The fire broke out in a forested, mountainous area that includes the Sierra Norte Natural Park, a habitat for endangered species such as eagles, wolves, and butterflies. Regional president Emiliano García-Page described the fire as challenging. Evacuations have affected hundreds of residents, with one regional report citing approximately 700 people displaced.

This fire follows another significant blaze that began on July 15 near Zaragoza, in the northeastern region of Aragon. That fire has burned an estimated 14,400 to 16,000 hectares and prompted the evacuation of over 1,000 people from several villages. Officials reported that improved weather conditions had helped firefighters curtail...