Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Spain's Largest Wildfire Rages for Fifth Day
A big fire in Spain has been burning for five days and has become the largest fire of the year.
It has forced many people to leave their homes and has spread over a large area.
The fire is being made worse by very hot weather, which is expected to last for several more days.
Scientists say that these kinds of fires are getting worse because of climate change.
Spain has already had a lot of fires this year, more than many other countries in Europe.
The fire is a big challenge for firefighters, who are working to protect people and their homes.
A wildfire in Spain's Guadalajara province has been burning for a fifth day, becoming the largest blaze of the year.
More than 1,000 residents have been evacuated as the fire expanded to over 26,000 hectares.
An approaching heatwave is expected to raise fire risks across much of Spain, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Spain is the European Union's most fire-affected country this year, with 104,423 hectares burned in 2026.
The fire season in Spain has been exceptionally destructive, following a record-breaking year in 2025 with 354,747 hectares burned.
- Who
- Residents of Guadalajara province, firefighters, and regional authorities
- What
- A wildfire raging out of control in Guadalajara province, Spain
- When
- The fire has been burning for a fifth day, with an approaching heatwave expected to last until at least Thursday
- Where
- Guadalajara province, Spain
- Why
- The fire is fueled by high temperatures and dry conditions, with an approaching heatwave expected to raise fire risks across much of the country
Climate Change Impact
Natural Fire Cycles
Cause of Increased Wildfires
Climate Change Impact
Scientists link the increasing severity of wildfires to climate change, citing rising temperatures and prolonged droughts.
Natural Fire Cycles
Some argue that wildfires are a natural part of forest ecosystems and have occurred throughout history.
- Location
- Guadalajara province, Spain
- Size of Fire
- More than 26,000 hectares
- Evacuated Residents
- More than 1,000
- Heatwave Duration
- Expected to last until at least Thursday
- Temperature Forecast
- Above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Total Hectares Burned in Spain (2026)
- 104,423 hectares
- Total Hectares Burned in France (2026)
- 41,781 hectares
- Total Hectares Burned in Spain (2025)
- 354,747 hectares
