Spain's eastern regions battle multiple forest fires amid extreme heat

Lightning and extreme temperatures sparked a series of forest fires across eastern Spain on July 10‑11, 2026. Six simultaneous fires ignited in the province of Castellón, including in Cirat, Montanejos, Lucena del Cid, Artana, Segorbe and Villahermosa del Río, prompting a large aerial and ground response with nine aircraft, multiple fire crews and helitransported units. Similar lightning‑triggered blazes broke out in Valencia (Simat de la Valldigna, Cocentaina) and in Catalonia, where at least six incidents burned across municipalities such as Mont‑roig del Camp, Guimerà, Navarcles, Sentmenat, Gavà and Aiguamúrcia.

Emergency services deployed dozens of ground crews, forest‑fire units, helicopters and coordinated air drops. In Catalonia, more than 200 municipalities remained under the highest fire‑risk alert (Level 4 of the Pla Alfa), and 21 800 residents were confined in the Lérida area after a flare‑up at Guimerà. The Almería fire in Los Gallardos left 12 dead, eight injured and 23 people missing, prompting a nationwide minute of silence and appeals for solidarity.

Heat‑wave forecasts predict temperatures above 40 °C in the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands for the coming week, sustaining the high fire‑danger index. Regional authorities have imposed strict restrictions on agricultural activities, halting mechanised harvesting in Castilla‑La Mancha and warning of severe consequences for crops. Public health officials warned of heat‑related illnesses, with more than 295 emergency calls recorded in Catalonia alone. Authorities continue to urge citizens to avoid forest areas, refrain from open fires, and follow official guidance.