The severe wildfires ravaging Spain have not only burned around 90,000 hectares in Madrid, Ávila, Toledo, and Castellón, but have also forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes or remain confined. As of this Tuesday, there were 79,000 displaced people, but some relocations have already begun. Days go by and fatigue takes its toll. Institutional leaders are aware of this, which is why they ask citizens for “patience,” a “final effort.” This is the message Pedro Sánchez has delivered from the Advanced Command Post in Navalcarnero, Madrid. “A little patience and trust in the institutions. Our priority is your safety. Our goal is to save lives. When relocations occur, they will be done with the utmost guarantees and security.”
The officials leading the firefighting efforts know that “anguish” and “fatigue” are beginning to spread among those staying in sports centers or away from their homes due to the advancing flames. Days pass and the desire to return grows stronger. “Now we have to make a final effort,” says the Secretary General of Civil Protection, Virginia Barcones. “We know you are tired, anguished, and that these days have been terrible, being away from your homes, (…) but there is less and less left.”
Messages from the authorities are directed at them, explaining that decisions are based on safety and technical criteria. “There are no political decisions; they are backed by science, experts, and from there those relocations will take place. We hope to be able to give positive news to the neighbors in the coming hours,” Sánchez stated.
María González Corral, Environment Minister of Castilla y León, has reiterated that message. “I ask for patience and understanding from all evacuated or confined people. Understanding because they have been evacuated or confined for many days, but here we all work to ensure their safety. The situation will continue to progress.”
Read more ‘El Perejil’ sparked the largest wildfire in Spain’s history contracted by the ranchers
On the morning of this Wednesday, there are 10 active forest fires in Spain. The country faces a new heat wave, causing temperatures to soar and humidity to drop. Poor conditions for fighting fire. “We need that very important commitment from citizens. A little more,” was the call from the Prime Minister. “We are facing a new heat wave that could worsen complex situations we have been suffering for weeks.”
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warns that the fire danger level will continue to rise until reaching extreme values, making firefighting efforts difficult due to high temperatures, southerly winds, locally gusty, and widespread low humidity. It also alerts about possible storms that may develop at the end of the week. The high-temperature episode could extend into next week.
Read more Trump welcomes Zelenski with smiles and Netanyahu with warnings
