Spain records 70,000 hectares burned this year as two major wildfires continue to rage, forcing evacuations of 16 villages

Spain is grappling with one of its most severe wildfire seasons, having recorded 70,000 hectares burned this year, nearly three times the area affected during the same period in 2025.¹²

Two major wildfires are currently active, with emergency services focusing on a blaze near La Mierla in Guadalajara province and another near Orés in Zaragoza province.³⁴⁵⁶

The fire near La Mierla, which began on Thursday, has consumed almost 13,000 hectares. Authorities have evacuated 16 villages and surrounding areas, including communities near the Beleña reservoir.⁷

Officials in Castilla-La Mancha reported that the fire is exhibiting extreme behavior, driven by strong south-westerly winds, with flames advancing at more than 60 metres per minute.

Spain’s Civil Guard is investigating the cause, suspecting it may have started during agricultural work involving a combine harvester.

Meanwhile, the wildfire near Orés has burned over 15,400 hectares, with around 450 firefighters and emergency personnel involved in the operation. They are closely monitoring changing winds to prevent flare-ups and protect nearby communities.

The villages of Orés, Asín, Luesia, Malpica de Arba, and Uncastillo remain under evacuation orders, while residents in Sos del Rey Católico, Navardún, Urriés, and Castiliscar are on alert.

These two blazes are part of what has become one of Spain's most severe wildfire seasons in recent years.