Spain: Wildfires ongoing in northern Spain March 4

Event

As of Monday, March 4, wildfires continue to affect the Asturias, Cantabria, Vizcaya, and Basque Country regions. The municipalities of Narcea, Somiedo, Tineo, and Allande located in the Asturias region and Muskiz located in the Vizcaya region have been particularly hit by the blazes. Although no casualties were reported, evacuation orders have been issued in Asturias, Vizcaya, and Basque country; the A-8 highway in the Basque country, as well as other secondary roads in the affected areas have reportedly been closed while firefighting operations are underway. Power outages are also possible in the affected regions. Further evacuations and road closures are possible in the coming hours and days as firefighters continue to work to contain the fire. Local authorities are investigating the cause of these fires, which are suspected to have been deliberately ignitiated.

Context

More than a hundred fires have been reported in the abovementionned areas since Saturday, March 2, quickly spreading due to strong winds.

Advice

Individuals in Spain, especially in the abovementioned areas, are advised to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. fire bans, evacuation notices), keep abreast of the situation and of local weather reports, and establish safety plans in case of an evacuation notice.