Spain is experiencing a dramatic wildfire season in 2025, already surpassing the extent of the previous year. Over 31,500 hectares of forest have fallen victim to the flames, a shocking increase compared to the 26,000 hectares at the same time in 2024. Extreme heat, strong winds, and pervasive dryness create a devastating combination that keeps the Iberian Peninsula on edge.
Intense Fire Weekend: Multiple Hotspots Demand Emergency Response
The past weekend was marked by numerous fires that put the country on high alert. Particularly affected was the province of Badajoz with the devastating fire in Valdecaballeros, which destroyed around 2,500 hectares of forest. The Junta de Extremadura suspects arson in this case, further intensifying an already tense situation. Toledo was also the scene of a major fire, requiring the evacuation of 60 residents from an urbanization and the precautionary lockdown of a town with 2,000 inhabitants.
Wildfires in Spain: A Grim Tally
The latest figures from the Ministry for Ecological Transition paint a grim picture: the 24,133 hectares already recorded will be significantly exceeded by recent fires. Particularly worrying is the increase in “large wildfires” (over 500 hectares). In 2025, 10 such large fires have already been registered, compared to nine in the previous year up to July 21. For comparison: In all of 2024, there were 16 large wildfires nationwide, burning over 47,700 hectares.
“Early Summer” Worsens Situation: Spain in the Grip of Heat
An unusually early “early summer” with extreme heat episodes and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius has further exacerbated the situation. Vegetation in many areas has dried out, facilitating the spread of fires and significantly complicating firefighting efforts.
Toledo in Flames: Lockdown and Evacuations
On Sunday afternoon, a fire broke out in La Torre de Esteban Hambrán, Toledo, whose dense smoke prompted local authorities to impose protective measures. The nearly 2,000 inhabitants of the town were urged not to go outside, to keep doors and windows closed, and to seal cracks with damp cloths. Around 50 to 60 residents of the Fuente Sauco urbanization were evacuated. The CM-5004 road had to be partially closed due to the fire. Numerous emergency personnel, including five aircraft, six land vehicles, and 43 crew members, were on site, supported by the Autonomous Community of Madrid.
Arsonist in Badajoz: Manhunt Underway
The fire in Badajoz, which broke out on Saturday, quickly escalated, forcing the evacuation of a campsite with around 200 people and the village of Cíjara, where 300 people were celebrating a festival. Abel Bautista, Minister of Interior and Social Dialogue for Extremadura, expressed strong suspicion of arson. He pointed out that there have been a total of 23 fires in the same region in 2024 and 2025. “It is not normal for there to be 23 fires in the same area in two seasons, and therefore everything indicates that it was intentional,” said Bautista, who appealed to the public for help in apprehending the alleged perpetrator. By Sunday lunchtime, this fire had already destroyed 2,350 hectares across three different fire sources. The N-502 had to be temporarily closed. Fortunately, the Level 1 emergency situation of the civil protection plan was deactivated on Sunday evening, as the fire was developing “favorably” and all evacuees, including children, were able to return to their accommodations.
Other Fire Hotspots: Alicante, Almería, and Ávila Also Affected
Firefighters also battled blazes in other parts of Spain:
- Ibi and Villena, Alicante: In Ibi, 185 hectares were affected by the fire, including 147 hectares of the Font Roja Natural Park. 20 people were evacuated. The fire in Villena was stabilized after a flare-up earlier in the day.
- Lubrín, Almería: Here, the fire in Cortijo de Marchalico is not yet extinguished. Over a hundred Infoca soldiers and numerous air resources are fighting the flames in the difficult mountainous terrain.
- Navaluenga, Ávila and Méntrida, Toledo: Better news came from these two major fires. The fire in Navaluenga, affecting around 1,500 hectares, was considered under control on Sunday. The fire in Méntrida, which also affected the Autonomous Community of Madrid, was extinguished and had burned a total of 3,100 hectares of land.
The current wildfire situation in Spain continues to demand the highest vigilance and coordination to protect people and nature from the devastating effects of the flames.
