Spain expands firefighting force as wildfires burn across Galicia

Spain increases its firefighting force as wildfires burn across Galicia and northern Portugal in a heatwave.

Spain mobilizes 500 more troops to tackle wildfires amid heat

Spain has added 500 soldiers to its firefighting effort, bringing the total to about 1,900. Officials say up to 20 major wildfires are burning, with several in Galicia leading to road and rail closures. A fleet of water dropping planes from the Netherlands, along with help from France and Italy, is supporting crews, and more teams are expected to arrive.

By the numbers, the fires have burned about 158,000 hectares this year and three people have died in the last week. Temperatures in parts of Spain were forecast to reach around 45C, intensifying the risk. In Portugal, eight large blazes challenge authorities, while smoke from the fires has spread to the UK. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned of challenging days ahead as weather conditions complicate the response, and Galicia’s regional government has ordered lockdowns and evacuations where homes remain under threat.

The situation highlights how climate-driven risk tests Europe’s emergency planning. Spain’s reliance on cross-border firefighting assets demonstrates strong cooperation, but it also underscores limits of prevention and land management in fire-prone regions. As heat and drought persist, officials face pressure to invest in early warning, forest resilience, and clearer risk communication. Looking ahead, the season could reshape public expectations about how governments defend communities against a warming climate and how fast resources can be mobilized when disaster strikes.

Highlights

The coming days will test Europe’s readiness to confront a season of frequent fires.