Wildfires burn 13,700 hectares across three Spanish regions

Wildfires burned a combined 13,700 hectares across Zaragoza, Guadalajara, Madrid and Ciudad Real on Friday. The largest blaze, in the Cinco Villas district of Zaragoza province, reached 12,000 hectares and remained active after starting on Wednesday.

The fire forced the evacuation of six villages and affected more than 1,100 residents. Roads remained closed while electricity supply was restored in affected localities.

Guadalajara fires A separate fire in Guadalajara province burned 900 hectares and prompted the evacuation of three villages. Regional authorities requested military support after the blaze spread rapidly. In Madrid province, a fire that began on Thursday afternoon burned 70 hectares near Lozoyuela. More than 2,000 people were confined to their homes and 100 were evacuated.

Extinguished fire and conditions A fire in Ciudad Real province was declared extinguished after burning 800 hectares. Officials reported that high temperatures, wind and low humidity contributed to the spread of the fires. Police arrested a man on Thursday on suspicion of starting the Zaragoza fire. Officers found flammable materials in his possession and noted prior similar offenses.