Madrid, Aug. 8 (SANA) A wildfire in Spain’s southwestern province of Huelva has burned about 4,000 hectares, with shifting winds and strong gusts hampering firefighting efforts, AFP reported Saturday, citing local authorities.
The fire broke out near the town of Niebla, about 70 kilometers from the Portuguese border, and was fueled by winds reaching 40 to 50 kilometers per hour on Friday afternoon, Antonio Sanz, the regional official responsible for emergency management, told reporters.
“The fire is subject to constant changes in wind direction, which is disrupting our attack strategy,” Sanz said, adding that firefighters were expected to have a “window of opportunity” in the coming hours before conditions deteriorate again in the afternoon.
More than 275 firefighters, including 60 members of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME), are battling the blaze, supported by 24 aircraft and 94 ground vehicles, according to the regional fire service. Andalusian authorities have placed the fire under operational Situation 2 because of the persistent winds.
Authorities have ordered the precautionary evacuation of about 70 people, most of whom did not require accommodation at public shelters, Sanz said.
No residential areas have been affected so far, although two roads, the A-493 and HU-3106, remain closed.
Spain has faced a wave of wildfires since the start of summer, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes in several regions. In late July, a wildfire in Avila province, west of Madrid, burned about 50,000 hectares, while another blaze in Almeria province in early August killed 14 people.
Heatwaves, drought and other severe weather conditions have increased the risk and spread of wildfires across Europe.
Kh.A / AbdRh
