Hundreds evacuated as wildfires blaze across western Spain VIDEO

On July 29, a forest fire broke out near Caminomorisco in western Spain’s Cáceres region, close to the Portuguese border.

By the morning of July 30, authorities had evacuated around 200 people to protect them from the advancing flames, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign press.

Initially, 120 residents from six nearby farms were moved to safety, followed by the evacuation of the suburb of Caminomorisco itself.

Efforts to combat the blaze involve a total of 180 personnel, including 105 soldiers. Firefighters continue working to contain the fire amid challenging conditions.

Spain is among several European countries grappling with increasingly severe wildfires this year. According to data from the European Forest Fires Information System (EFFIS), the number of wildfires recorded across Europe in 2025 has surged to 1,339, significantly higher than last year’s 861. These fires have emitted approximately 9.66 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and have burned nearly 293,000 hectares, well above the 19-year average for this time of year.

El incendio de Cambrón, alquería de #IFCaminomorisco (Las Hurdes, Cáceres) continúa ardiendo con fuerza durante la madrugada.
Las llamaradas impresionan aún más al coronar amenazadoras las cumbres de las sierras que rodean Caminomorisco.

(El vídeo es de Nieves Barbero Iglesias) pic.twitter.com/R3RSiKhlAz

— PacoCastañares (@PacoCastanares) July 30, 2025

Extreme heat, strong winds, and prolonged drought are driving fire risks, especially in southern Europe and Mediterranean regions.

In neighbouring Portugal, large fires continue to impact northern and central areas. Although a major blaze near Valongo in Portalegre has been contained, another remains active in Peneda-Geres National Park, where difficult terrain and wind hamper firefighting. Over 230 personnel, supported by Spanish helicopters, are involved in these efforts. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere has issued maximum fire danger warnings across most northern and central municipalities, with hot, dry conditions expected to persist.

Elsewhere, Greece has seen over 50 wildfires in the past week, threatening homes and farmland in regions including Attica, Evia, and Crete. Thousands have been evacuated, and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated, sending assistance from Italy and the Czech Republic. Italy itself continues battling wildfires in Sicily, where temperatures have surpassed 40 degrees Celsius, leading to destruction and evacuations.

Bulgaria reports more than 260 active fires, with international firefighting aid arriving through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Authorities attribute most fires to human negligence and have arrested two arson suspects. Romania has contributed a Black Hawk helicopter to aid Bulgarian efforts and is also fighting domestic fires.

In the Balkans, wildfires near Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been brought under control after weeks of firefighting, aided by recent rainfall. Croatia has experienced a significant rise in wildfire incidents, but has limited damage due to rapid response efforts.

Experts warn that without decisive long-term climate action, the Mediterranean region will remain highly vulnerable to severe fire seasons. However, according to the latest EFFIS Fire Weather Index forecast, fire risk is expected to ease across much of southern Europe in the coming days, though some isolated areas may continue to face extreme conditions.

By Tamilla Hasanova