Spain: Poor Air Quality Hits Millions as Wildfire Smoke Covers Madrid

Smoke from the wildfires blanketed the capital on Friday, July 24, triggering fire alarms in some office buildings and affecting millions with poor air quality and low visibility. Madrid's Emergency Service urged residents to limit outdoor activity, close windows, and wear masks if going outside.

Spain: Burgohondo Fire Continues to Rage, Prompting Historic Emergency Declaration

A wildfire that broke out in Burgohondo, in Spain's Ávila province, quickly escalated as it spread and devastated the Valle de Iruelas nature reserve. It was part of a series of blazes in Ávila and the neighboring Madrid region that forced the evacuation of around 60,000 people, prompting Spain to declare its first-ever national state of emergency over wildfires on Friday, July 24.

Spain: National Emergency Declared Over Madrid Wildfires

Spain declared a national emergency in Madrid on Friday, July 24, after wildfires reached the outskirts of Madrid, evacuating more than 10,000 people. The national emergency was also issued for the neighboring province of Ávila, where fires have similarly threatened nearby communities. This video shows smoke from wildfires blanketing Aldea del Fresno.

Spain: Smoke Blankets Villamantilla as Madrid Wildfires Spread

Multiple wildfires burned simultaneously across Madrid region on Thursday, July 23, forcing evacuations and confinements in several towns. Strong winds and high temperatures fueled the flames, and more than 10,000 people were evacuated across the affected areas. This video shows smoke from wildfires blanketing Villamantilla.

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several cows surround the 'miracle' tree, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several cows surround the 'miracle' tree, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

View of the burned land, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several cows surround the 'miracle' tree, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A cow observes the burned ground, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for livestock, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several cows surround the 'miracle' tree, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several cows surround the 'miracle' tree, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several cows surround the 'miracle' tree, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

View of the burned land, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": this tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A fire engine approaches the fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A fire truck approaches the fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight made by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day, 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several firefighters of the Community of Madrid work to extinguish a fire next to a fire truck, on August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight made by the coordination helicopter of Firefighters of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Several firefighters of the Community of Madrid work to extinguish a fire next to a fire truck, on August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight made by the coordination helicopter of Firefighters of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A glass bottle on the burned ground, on August 17, 2025, in Soto de Viñuelas, Tres Cantos, Madrid (Spain). The real explanation is not "so miraculous": that tree is the only one in the area that provides shade for cattle, and cows usually take refuge there. In doing so, they eat the vegetation and trample the ground, leaving the land bare of grass. This natural clearing of the ground acted as a firebreak, preventing the flames from reaching the tree and saving both the cows and the small green patch around it, while the whole environment burned. It is a symbol of hope after the tragedy of the fire that devastated Tres Cantos last August 11, but it also serves to raise awareness of the importance of grazing and forest management to avoid such destructive forest fires. Photo by Gabri Solera / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A helicopter bomber on August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Firefighters from the Community of Madrid hold a hose to extinguish a fire, on August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day, 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A firefighter of the Community of Madrid holds a hose to extinguish a fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Two firefighters of the Community of Madrid hold a hose to extinguish a fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Two firefighters of the Community of Madrid hold a hose to extinguish a fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Firefighters from the Community of Madrid hold a hose to extinguish a fire, on August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day, 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Firefighters from the Community of Madrid hold a hose to extinguish a fire, on August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day, 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A firefighter of the Community of Madrid holds a hose to extinguish a fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

Spain Gripped by Violent Wildfires

A firefighter of the Community of Madrid holds a hose to extinguish a fire, August 19, 2025, in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (Spain). The forest fire in Colmenar Viejo is considered to be perimetered and stabilized, although not controlled, after the reconnaissance flight carried out by the coordination helicopter of the Fire Department of the Community of Madrid. During the day 18 means of Firefighters, Forestry Brigades and Forest Agents continue working to refresh the interior. A logistic device is also being maintained by the ERIVE and the SUMMA 112 medical device, in addition to opening the M-104 to traffic. An affected area of about 160 hectares is estimated. Photo by Jesús Hellín / Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

WORLD-CLIMATE CHANGE-CHALLENGE

WORLD-CLIMATE CHANGE-CHALLENGE

(231202) -- BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A man walks into a fountain to cool off in Madrid, Spain, July 17, 2023. Drought and wildfires are becoming more frequent in Spain due to repeated heatwaves this year. Heatwaves, torrential rains, floods, droughts and other natural disasters occurred one after another around the world in recent years. While impressed by the mighty power and vulnerability of nature, we genuinely feel that when it comes to tackling climate change, countries around the world are like passengers aboard the same ship. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Wildfires ravaging in northern Spanish region of Asturias

STORY: Wildfires ravaging in northern Spanish region of Asturias DATELINE: April 1, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:39 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of wildfires in northern Spain STORYLINE: The region of Asturias in the north of Spain has been hit by a series of wildfires, with emergency services reporting over 100 different focal points on Friday. Unusually warm and dry weather, coupled with strong winds gusting at over 100 kmph has helped the flames to spread quickly. At least 170 people have been evacuated from their homes, and several roads in the region have been cut as a precautionary measure. Around 700 firemen are currently fighting the flames. The ravaging fires have now reached Monte Naranco, located on the outskirts of the city of Oviedo. The area is covered by eucalyptus trees and plantations for the paper industry, as well as chestnut and oak forests. The wildfires were clearly visible in Oviedo overnight, and residents were complaining about the strong smell of t

Spain to declare areas affected by wildfires as "catastrophe zones"

STORY: Spain to declare areas affected by wildfires as "catastrophe zones" DATELINE: Aug. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:16 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of Pedro Sanchez visiting areas affected by forest fire 2. various of wildfires around the municipality of Bejis 3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): PEDRO SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister 4. Pedro Sanchez shaking hands with members of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) STORYLINE: Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday said that the areas affected by wildfires this year will be declared as "catastrophe zones" in the meeting of his cabinet on Tuesday. Sanchez made the declaration while visiting the region around the municipality of Bejis in eastern Spain, which has been badly affected by a forest fire over the past week. The fire has now been brought under control but has left around 20,000 hectares of woodland and scrub destroyed. According to the Spanish government, 223,000 hectares of land have been affected by wildfires this summer,

Spanish government approves law to help prevent wildfires

STORY: Spanish government approves law to help prevent wildfires DATELINE: Aug. 4, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:45 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. wide of Spanish cabinet meeting 2. various of wildfires and its effects 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): TERESA RIBERA, Spain's minister for ecological transition 4. various of firemen team 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): TERESA RIBERA, Spain's minister for ecological transition 6. various of firemen team 7. various of wildfires STORYLINE: The Spanish government has approved measures to help combat wildfires after an especially destructive summer in Spain. Over 200,000 hectares were burned in the country in an exceptionally hot July, with around 250,000 hectares destroyed this which is already the worst on record SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): TERESA RIBERA, Spain's minister for ecological transition "So far this year according to data provided by the different regions, we have suffered over 6,400 different fires" Monday's cabinet meeting approved a Royal Decree, which

Heat and drought set to continue in Spain: AEMET

STORY: Heat and drought set to continue in Spain: AEMET DATELINE: Aug. 2, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:23 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. shots of hot temperatures, wildfires and drought STORYLINE: High temperatures and low rainfall in Spain are likely to continue into the autumn, exacerbating wildfires and drought, according to a report published on Monday by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Spain is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, with major heatwaves coming earlier in the year than usual, in June, and continuing into July to claim over 2,000 lives. Over 200,000 hectares of land in Spain have been ravaged by wildfires, and with reservoirs currently at under 42 percent capacity (20 percent lower than the average for the last 10 years), some regions are starting to introduce restrictions on water use. There are also fears that crops such as soft fruits will be seriously affected. AEMET's report makes for worrying reading, with the agency predicting a 60 pe

Heatwave continues to engulf Europe, breaking temperature records

STORY: Heatwave continues to engulf Europe, breaking temperature records DATELINE: July 24, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:20 LOCATION: Madrid/Paris/Athens/London/Amsterdam/Zagreb CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): MENG DINGBO, Xinhua correspondent 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Catalan): NARCIS PRAT, Emeritus Professor in ecology, University of Barcelona 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): PAULA MOLINA, Chief of Emergency Services Torrejon Hospital, Madrid 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): LIDIJA SRNEC, Researcher at Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service STORYLINE: Heatwave across Europe is breaking temperature records and fueling ferocious wildfires in multiple countries across the continent. STANDUP (English): MENG DINGBO, Xinhua correspondent "According to the Spanish National Meteorological Institute (AEMET), the second heatwave of this summer will sweep through the country this Sunday, with a heat warning for a total of 41 provinces, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in southern Andalusia and some area

More than 1,000 dead in Spain's heatwave

STORY: More than 1,000 dead in Spain's heatwave DATELINE: July 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:50 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of hot and desert streets 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): BEA HERVELLA, Spokesperson for Spanish State Meteorological Agency 3. various of Madrid municipal workers needing help 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): PAULA MOLINA, Chief of Emergency Services Torrejon Hospital, Madrid 5. various of wildfires STORYLINE: Spain's Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 1,047 people died in this year's second heatwave as temperatures topped 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country over the past 10 days. These heat-related deaths were recorded from July 10 to 19, according to data collected by the Monitorization of Daily Mortality (MoMo). The extreme heat affected mainly the elderly: 672 of the victims were aged 85 or over, 241 were between 75 and 84, and 88 were aged between 65 and 74. Bea Hervella, a spokesperson for the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), said

Ecology expert warns against recurring wildfires in Spain

STORY: Ecology expert warns against recurring wildfires in Spain DATELINE: July 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:32 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: various of fire-stricken areasvarious of firefighters working STORYLINE: As firefighters in Spain this week brought under control wildfires in Catalonia, numerous blazes continued to rage around the country, in regions like Galicia, Castilla y Leon and Aragon. A new record was broken this week as over 193,000 hectares of land have been devastated by fire this year, surpassing the record of 189,367 hectares registered in 2012. On Wednesday, the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), which uses satellites to track wildfires, confirmed that in just over six months, 193,247 hectares have so far been affected in Spain. It is a situation that the experts predict is unlikely to change any time soon. SOUNDBITE 1 (Catalan): NARCIS PRAT, Emeritus Professor of Ecology at University of Barcelona "Everything suggests that we're moving towards a situatio

Wildfires stretching across Spain as heatwave continues

STORY: Wildfires stretching across Spain as heatwave continues DATELINE: July 19, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:48 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the forest fire in the north of Barcelona (courtesy of firefighters of the Spanish region of Catalonia) STORYLINE: Wildfires have so far burnt more than 22,000 hectares of woodland and scrub in Spain since the start of the heatwave over a week ago, emergency services calculated. Temperatures above 44 degrees centigrade in southern and southwestern Spain and around 40 degrees centigrade for the rest of the country, coming on the back of exceptionally hot and dry months of May and June, have produced the perfect conditions for the wildfires to spread. In southwestern Spain's autonomous community Extremadura, the fire in the comarca of Las Hurdes remains out of control, while a new fire broke out on Saturday in the comarca of Valle de Jerte, which the Regional Government of Extremadura said "started in an absolutely deliberate manner."

Spanish PM visits wildfire sites after flames claim two lives

STORY: Spanish PM visits wildfire sites after flames claim two lives DATELINE: July 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:53 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: POLITICS/ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. shot of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visiting wildfire sites 2. various of wildfires in Spain 3. shot of rescue teams 4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): PEDRO SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister 5. various of wildfires in Spain STORYLINE: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the region of Extremadura on Monday as firefighters continued to battle wildfires that claimed two lives over the weekend. The body of a 69-year-old shepherd was found in an area known as Las Hurdes, where flames have destroyed over 6,000 hectares of woodland and scrub, while a firefighter lost his life to forest fire in the province of Zamora (central Spain), which also saw two others taken to hospital with burns. The tragedies happened as Spain continues to suffer temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius and even 45 degrees in some areas of the country, with flame

Heatwave continues in Spain as wildfires continue to burn

STORY: Heatwave continues in Spain as wildfires continue to burn DATELINE: July 15, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of heatwave affecting people in Spain 2. various of wildfires in Spain 3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): LUIS RINCON, Fire Brigade Office, Community of Madrid 4. various of wildfires in Spain STORYLINE: The heatwave which has affected Spain for the past five days is expected to last until at least Monday (July 18), placing the country at extreme risk of wildfires. After thermometers topped 45 degrees centigrade in parts of south and south-west Spain on Wednesday, most southern central and western regions remain on red alert for temperatures of between 42-45 degrees and reaching or close to 40 degrees in the rest of the country. That means woodlands are tinder-dry and only need a spark to explode into flames. Data released at the start of the week by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) and the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition, sh

Climate change brings early heatwave in Spain: authority

STORY: Climate change brings early heatwave in Spain: authority DATELINE: June 20, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:21 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of wildfires in Spain 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): RUBEN DEL CAMPO, Spokesperson for the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) 3. various of heatwave in Spain 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): RUBEN DEL CAMPO, Spokesperson for the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) 5. various of heatwave in Spain 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Spanish): RUBEN DEL CAMPO, Spokesperson for the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) 7. various of heatwave in Spain STORYLINE: One of the worst heatwaves to affect Spain is the main reason behind a series of wildfires that have destroyed thousands of hectares of woodland in recent days. The fire in the nature reserve of the Sierra de la Culebra in the province of Zamora in northwest Spain has destroyed over 20,000 hectares of wood and scrubland after being started by a lightning strike. Around 1,700 people have been evacuated in Zamora. Ano

Wildfires continue in northeast Spain

STORY: Wildfires continue in northeast Spain DATELINE: June 16, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:46 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: (courtesy of firefighters of the Catalonia region) 1. various of the fire in Artesa de Segre and firefighting effort 2. various of the fire in Corbera d'Ebre and firefighting efforts STORYLINE: Three wildfires continue to burn out of control in Catalonia, northeast Spain, the region's fire services confirmed. The wildfires have already devastated 1,100 hectares of land, despite the efforts of the fire department, which dispatched a total of 155 fire engines, aircraft and helicopters combatting the blaze. Spain is affected by the hottest June temperatures seen in the past 20 years. Spanish State TV network RTVE reported on Wednesday that 19,000 hectares of wood and scrubland have already been affected by wildfires in 2022, which doubled that of recent years. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Madrid. (XHTV)