Spain continuing to battle wildfires amid extreme heat

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - Spain continues to battle wildfires in the country's northern regions as record-breaking temperatures hit southern Europe.

Fires continue in five areas in and around city of Leon, according to local media reports, citing emergency services.

Meanwhile, more than 1,500 residents who were evacuated due to wildfires that broke out in northern regions earlier this week are now being allowed to return home.

However, some 50 residents of Leon were still told not to go back home due to ongoing efforts to extinguish fires.

So far this year, fires have swept some 36,000 hectares (88,958 acres) of forest area in Spain.

According to official data, over 15 large fires have broken out in the country in 2025, above the average for the past 10 years.