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Spain declares wildfire-hit regions disaster zones as relief measures approved
Wildfires have engulfed vast parts of Spain this month, marking one of the country's most severe environmental crises in recent years. The government has declared affected areas disaster zones, paving the way for direct aid, tax breaks, and other forms of support for impacted communities.
Over 350,000 hectares (865,000 acres) of land have been scorched, with four lives lost and thousands forced to evacuate. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described the situation as “one of the biggest environmental catastrophes in recent years” during a press conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting.
Relief measures and political tensions
The cabinet’s decision to designate disaster zones has been met with mixed reactions. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist government, accusing it of delayed action in providing support to regional authorities tasked with disaster response.
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo proposed a 50-point plan to address the crisis, including the creation of a national arsonist registry. He also blamed the government for insufficient planning.
Grande-Marlaska rejected the accusations, asserting that “all available state resources” had been mobilized, with international fire crews contributing as well. He accused the opposition of exploiting the crisis for political gain and emphasized that arson was responsible for only a small portion of the fires.
Blazes fueled by extreme heat
The fires erupted during a two-week heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40°C (104°F), with 15 wildfires still active at level two on Tuesday—posing serious risks to lives and property.
Scientists attribute the intensifying wildfires to the effects of climate change, which has led to longer, more frequent, and more extreme heatwaves worldwide.
The worst-affected regions include Castilla y León, Extremadura, and Galicia, areas governed by the PP.
International collaboration
In addition to domestic efforts, Spain has received assistance from foreign fire crews to combat the blazes. Grande-Marlaska confirmed that the government would review the opposition’s proposals but reiterated its commitment to deploying state resources to affected regions.
As Spain grapples with this environmental crisis, the debate over climate change mitigation and emergency preparedness continues to escalate.