Third death in Spain linked to wildfires: a new tragedy in Castile and León
Wildfire Claims Life in Northern Spain Amid Intense Heatwave
A new forest fire has claimed the life of an individual in the Castile and León region of northwestern Spain, authorities announced this Thursday. The victim was involved in firefighting efforts in the province of León, specifically in the Valdería area, marking the third fatality linked to the wildfires ravaging the country this summer.
The announcement was made by the Prefect of Castile and León, Nicanor Sen Vélez, via the social media platform X. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed the news on public television, expressing his condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues, and the general public. He also stated that he had requested assistance from the European Union on Wednesday evening, including the deployment of two Canadair firefighting aircraft.
Currently, Spain is grappling with eleven wildfires rated at level 2 out of 4, necessitating military intervention and the allocation of additional resources. One of the most concerning fires is located in Zamora, still within the Castile and León region, where large expanses of forest have already been engulfed by flames.
This recent fatality adds to two others that occurred on Tuesday: a man who suffered severe burns in Tres Cantos, near Madrid, and a 35-year-old volunteer who died while battling a fire in the same province of León. Several others have also sustained serious injuries.
This tragic series of events unfolds as Spain endures an intense heatwave lasting twelve days. All regions of the country are under alert, with daytime temperatures soaring to 40°C and nighttime temperatures exceeding 25°C, further complicating firefighting efforts.
