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CatastropheSpain

Spain, Portugal ravaged by major wildfires

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Alex Footman
August 20, 2025

As more than a dozen wildfires still rage across the Iberian Peninsula, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for new climate policies. The country marks its worst fire season since records began nearly two decades ago.

Portugal and Spain are battling historic wildfires, with more than 250,000 hectares scorched in northern Portugal and 340,000 in Spain — making it the worst fire season on record. Residents near the Portuguese town of Covilha and across the border in Spain expressed anger and despair over government response and personal losses, while Spain's prime minister says it's time for lawmakers to adapt to the new reality.

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