Spain hit by further wildfires as stifling temperatures continue

JUST as the Catalan authorities were reporting firefighters were managing to contain the massive wildfire in Tarragona, several other blazes broke out in central Spain in temperatures which reached maximums of more than 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

A fire which broke out on Friday night 60 kilometres from Almorox in Toledo province had already affected some 2,000 hectares before extending into Cenicientos and Cadalso de los Vidrios in Madrid region. More than 400 people were evacuated from their homes.

A further fire near Toledo city forced the evacuation of another 20 people. Yet another wildfire was reported in Gavilanes in Avila on Friday and was still active on Saturday.

The Tarragona fire started up on Wednesday and by Saturday afternoon had burned around 6,000 hectares.