Spain’s worst fires of year dwindle, stabilise

Leon/Madrid, Aug 18 (EFE).- Wildfires in central Spain have stabilised and are gradually dying down although small blazes remain active deep into the affected area.

Local authorities in the localities of Navalacruz and Cepeda de la Mora have advised caution since the fire is not yet under control, pointing out that over 12,000 hectares have been scorched in the most intense fire to hit the country this year.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service, which provides geo-spatial information through EU satellite imagery, estimated some 21,993 hectares were burnt in the fires.

Spanish goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas, who won the 2010 Fifa World Cup with Spain and played for Real Madrid most of his career, aided extinction efforts in the area, where he originates from.

Casillas shared images of the fires on social media, with the caption: “Facing the flames with firmness, with no fear to help and collaborate with everyone. Great praise to those who know more and guided those of us who had no idea how to help.”

The Navalacruz fires are currently the fourth largest wildfires in Spanish history, according to data from the World Wildlife Fund. EFE

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