Thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires in Spain have been allowed to return home after authorities lifted restrictions in several affected areas, including Toledo, Madrid, Ávila and Castellón.
In the Madrid region alone, around 24,000 residents have been cleared to return, while movement restrictions affecting another 20,000 people have been removed.
However, firefighters remain on high alert as Spain and France prepare for their fourth heatwave of the summer, with several fires still active.
Burgohondo fire remains major concern
One of the most serious blazes continues to burn near Burgohondo, around 150 kilometres west of Madrid.
The fire has already destroyed more than 43,000 hectares of land in Ávila province and is considered the largest recorded wildfire in Spanish history.
It forced around 40,000 people to leave their homes, with firefighting teams now focusing on securing a perimeter stretching 180 kilometres.
Francisco Bolaños, one of the officials leading the firefighting operation, said the blaze had not advanced overnight but warned that rising temperatures, low humidity and strong winds could trigger new outbreaks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the next 12 hours would be “decisive” in efforts to contain the fire.
“Things are progressing favourably, with maximum caution,” he told reporters.
France battles fires amid extreme heat
In south-west France, the largest fires in the Gironde region remain “stabilised” despite several flare-ups.
Officials have warned that dry winds and temperatures reaching 41°C could worsen conditions.
Sixteen French departments remain under orange heatwave alerts, including areas in the Landes region.
The fire service has introduced special measures around several defence and aerospace facilities in Gironde, including sites classified as “Seveso” facilities that handle hazardous materials.
More fires reported across Europe
Another wildfire remains out of control at Vall d’Uixó, north-west of Valencia.
Authorities in Seville also confirmed the death of a woman who suffered severe burns during the Los Gallardos fire in Almería earlier this month.
Fourteen people were killed in the Almería fires, including British, Belgian, American, French and Spanish citizens.
Wildfires are also continuing in neighbouring Portugal, where emergency services are monitoring a fire front near Vila Real, including risks to a water treatment plant and gas depot.
Greece has also recorded new outbreaks, with fires reported on the island of Paros and in the southern town of Trifylia.
Also read: Paros wildfire forces evacuations as winds threaten flare-ups
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