Spain's biggest wildfire burns 15,400 ha, evacuates 1,100

A major wildfire in northeastern Spain has scorched over 15,400 hectares and forced the evacuation of more than 1,100 residents, becoming the largest such blaze in the country this year. The fire, which began on July 15 near the village of Orés in Zaragoza province's Cinco Villas district, remained active and uncontained as of July 18, with its perimeter exceeding 80 kilometers.

More than 400 firefighters, supported by over 300 soldiers from the Military Emergency Unit and dozens of aircraft, are battling the inferno. The difficult, wind-swept terrain in the pine forests of Cerro de Cinco Villas has hampered efforts, with officials warning that shifting winds and high temperatures continue to pose severe challenges. Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, Aragón's Minister of Emergency Services, stated that no part of the fire's perimeter could be considered secure and cautioned against raising false hopes for a quick resolution.

The blaze has led to the evacuation of six villages: Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba, and Uncastillo in Zaragoza, and Petilla de Aragón in the neighboring region of Navarra. Authorities have prepared to issue alerts for several other municipalities in case...