Spanish authorities announced the outbreak of over 100 forest fires in the Asturias region in the north of the country on Thursday, most of which were deliberately ignited as temperatures soared to record levels. The fires add to another wildfire that has been burning for eight days in the forests of the eastern Valencia region and another fire that has ravaged large areas of land in Galicia in the northwest.
Local television footage showed flames rising near a road as cars passed through the Asturias area. Authorities have prohibited access to forest roads and any activities that could lead to further fires. The mayor of the area, Adrián Barbón, tweeted, "Asturias is not burning; they have lit it. The ones responsible are the ones who set fire to our forests; they are delinquent criminals and will be held accountable and treated accordingly."
The Spanish government expressed concern about further wildfires this year following an unusually dry winter in parts of Southern Europe, coupled with rising temperatures due to climate change. The Spanish meteorological agency reported that "the country recorded its highest temperature ever on March 29 for that day, exceeding normal levels by seven degrees to reach 14 degrees Celsius."
