Wildfires ignited by heat wave burn on in Spain, Portugal
In Spain and Portugal, a lingering heat wave has caused wildfires, forcing residents to flee their homes while hundreds of firemen battle the spread of flames.
In Spain's northeastern region of Aragon, about 1,350 residents, from five villages, have been evacuated from their homes as the wildfire spreads burning through the pine forests there.
The flames have scorched the hills that are located about 375 kilometers (230 miles) northeast of the Spanish capital, Madrid, said Javier Lamban, the president of Aragon. He added that the evacuees, including residents from a retirement home, have been transported to nearby towns.
Windy conditions were fanning the flames of wildfire on Sunday, causing a large plume of smoke as some 500 firefighters and 26 aircraft were fighting the flames.
Spain's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment spokesman, Modesto Lobon, said the fire, which broke out Saturday afternoon, has already burnt down more than 2,500 hectares (6,180 acres) of forest areas.
Spain's meteorological agency on Saturday told residents to be prepared for high temperatures across much of the country over the coming days. The agency said temperatures will be exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in much of the southern and eastern parts of the country.
In Portugal, the National Civil Protection Authority said about 100 firefighters were battling a wildfire that also broke out on Saturday night north of the capital, Lisbon, in the forests of Alcobertas.
The Portuguese are witnessing the hottest and driest June for 12 years. Almost 54 percent of mainland Portugal is enduring severe drought.
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