Spain faces high wildfire risks as the heatwave continues.

Spain is on alert for wildfires.

As the Iberian Peninsula continues to be swept by the brutal heatwave – the second of this summer – large areas are at risk from wildfires, and several regions have already been battling active fires.

The Spanish weather agency AEMET warned that temperatures above 40C, low humidities, and hot wind have created the “perfect firestorm conditions” in many parts of Spain.

Blazes in Spain

In Galicia in the last few days, wildfires have destroyed more than 1,350 acres. The fire in A Cañiza (Pontevedra) was finally declared extinguished on Sunday after destroying 295 hectares, while another blaze in Ponteceso (A Coruña) has intensified, prompting road closures and emergency evacuations.

The fires in Ourense and Cadiar, Granada, have stabilised but officials are warning that any spark could cause a catastrophe.

Portugal has already begun mass evacuations

Portugal, which is also facing similar conditions has enacted an extensive fire prevention program, including a ban on fireworks, forest entry and machinery work. The entire districts of Portugal are in red or orange alert. Villages from the Douro Region have already been evacuated.

The number of firefighters is limited. Residents are encouraged to report the smoke immediately, and to avoid wooded areas that could be vulnerable.

Even the coldest parts in Europe are boiling

The summer heat doesn’t only affect Southern Europe. Heat is breaking records and rules across the continent.

• In Finland, three consecutive weeks of temperatures above 30C were recorded in July.
• Norway’s northernmost counties experienced 12 days of heat exceeding 30C. This is a record.
• Scientists have warned about heatwaves that will persist in the north of Sweden.
• Heat warnings for temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius are now in effect as intense storms and hail with 45 mm of rainfall, which is a lot, hit eastern Poland.
• Wild storms are sweeping through Italy after a summer filled with fire. A man who was relaxing on the Piombino beach, when struck by lightning (and miraculously recovered after 30 minutes CPR), survived.

Spain’s Heat Action Plan

Spain has activated a nationwide alert system in addition to the red alerts. Heat Action Plan, a package of measures that protects citizens, in particular the elderly, and those who live in care homes. Regional governments work in coordination with hospitals, clinics and civil defense units.

Health officials urge people to:

• From noon to six PM, stay indoors.
• Even if you are not thirsty, drink water continuously.
• Light meals are best.
• Keep your home cool by closing blinds.
• Never leave children, pets or the elderly in parked vehicles.

Above all, take this heat serious.