A devastating wildfire in Spain has claimed the life of a man who suffered severe burns, while thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes as flames rage across the country, fueled by fierce winds and an intense heatwave gripping Europe.
The victim, who was critically injured, succumbed to his wounds in a hospital after being caught in the blaze in Tres Cantos, an affluent suburb located just north of Madrid. His death marks a tragic milestone as wildfires continue to spread throughout the region since the onset of the heatwave last week. Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the head of Madrid’s regional government, expressed her condolences on X, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the community.
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In Tres Cantos, hundreds of residents were evacuated as the fire rapidly advanced, with officials reporting a staggering six-kilometer (3.7 miles) spread in just 40 minutes. Carlos Novillo, Madrid’s regional environment chief, confirmed that by Tuesday morning, firefighters had managed to contain the blaze. Further south in Andalusia, approximately 2,000 people were evacuated from hotels and residential areas near Tarifa, a popular beach destination. This evacuation came as another wildfire erupted close to an area that had already experienced evacuations earlier this month. Antonio Sanz, the interior minister of Andalusia, stated, “We managed to save the residential area at the very last second,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
A Civil Guard officer sustained injuries while assisting with evacuations when struck by a vehicle.
In northwestern Castile and Leon, over 30 wildfires were reported on Monday alone, including one threatening Las Medulas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient Roman gold mines. As heat alerts blanket Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Balkans, temperatures are expected to soar above 40°C (104°F).
Tragically, a child lost their life due to heatstroke in Italy on Monday, underscoring the severity of this ongoing crisis. The combination of extreme weather and wildfires has created a perilous situation across southern Europe, prompting urgent responses from local authorities and emergency services as they work tirelessly to protect lives and property.
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