Fire situation deemed "favorable" by Civil Protection, urges final "push" in containment efforts

The situation of forest fires in Spain has improved in the last few hours, as weather conditions become more favourable for stopping the advance of the fires. According to Virginia Barcones, the general director of Civil Protection, the evolution of forest fires in Spain is "favourable".

Currently, there are 16 active forest fires in operational situation 2. Of these, 11 are in Castile and León, 4 in Galicia, and 1 in Asturias. The fires in Jarilla, Cáceres, and Fasgar, Castile and León, are at level zero, which means they are under control. However, the fire in Iguña, Castile and León, is a cause for concern and could join the one in Fasgar.

In response to this, the Junta of Castile and León has declared an "extreme alarm" for fires in 37 municipalities in León, Zamora, and Palencia from Saturday until August 26. This declaration involves a series of prohibitions to avoid the emergence of new fires in these three provinces affected by the flames. Residents from affected towns in Porto (Zamora) and Jarilla (Cáceres) are being relocated.

The government and the General Administration of the State are working with the Military Emergency Unit of the Army, aerial means, Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF), the Civil Guard, the National Police, Civil Protection, and means from different autonomous communities to combat the fires. In addition, nine countries are contributing to the fight against the fires through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with both aerial and terrestrial units.

Despite the improvement in the situation, the exchange of accusations between political parties continues in the political arena. The Popular Party accuses the Government of not providing the "requested means", while the Government denies this and accuses the 'popular' communities of practicing a "policy of scorched earth". Teresa Ribera, the Minister for the Ecological Transition, called for a final effort to remain vigilant and collaborative to fully control the fires.

Virginia Barcones, the general director of Civil Protection, is optimistic but cautious about the improvement in the situation. She stated that the Military Emergency Unit continues working on eight of the active fires. The temperature increase is slight compared to the heatwave previously experienced, and the favourable weather evolution is expected to help in the extinction and control of the fires. Maximum temperatures will decrease in the north, with associated fog at the beginning of the day and evolving clouds that will help to humidify the environment.

In summary, the situation of forest fires in Spain is improving, but political tensions persist. The government and various countries are working together to combat the fires, and the favourable weather conditions are expected to help in the extinction and control of the fires. However, residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and follow the necessary precautions to avoid the emergence of new fires.