A significant wildfire erupted near Ores in Spain’s northeastern Aragon region on 15 July 2026 during an intense heatwave. The fire rapidly spread across approximately 7,600 hectares of dry vegetation by 16 July, forcing the precautionary evacuation of at least five villages as thick smoke and advancing flames threatened homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure.

Spain deployed more than 400 firefighters and 19 aircraft, including military emergency units from the specialized Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME), to combat the blaze. Firefighting teams used high-pressure hoses, firebreak techniques, and aerial water drops to slow the fire’s progress across rugged terrain.

Regional official Roberto Bermúdez de Castro described the situation as one of the most serious fire emergencies in Aragon in recent years, with crews stretched thin while battling multiple active fronts. Firefighters faced major challenges, including temperatures nearing 40°C, very low humidity, and shifting winds, which contributed to unpredictable fire behavior.

This wildfire follows just one week after Spain’s deadliest recent wildfire in Almería province, which claimed 13 lives, including seven British nationals. The recent events have heightened concerns about Spain’s wildfire preparedness and response capabilities.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged full government support for emergency operations and assistance to affected communities, with national and regional authorities remaining on high alert.

According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), nearly 400,000 hectares burned across Spain during last year’s record wildfire season. Experts warn that increasingly frequent heatwaves, prolonged drought, and changing climate patterns are intensifying wildfire risks, especially in southern Europe, where fire seasons are becoming longer and more severe.

Sources