Spain has experienced its first major wildfire of the year, destroying over 3,000 hectares of forest and forcing 1,500 residents to evacuate their homes in the eastern Valencia region.

The dry winter across parts of southern Europe had reduced soil moisture, raising fears of a repeat of 2022 when 785,000 hectares were destroyed in Europe.

Spain was particularly affected last year, with 493 fires destroying 307,000 hectares of land.

Over 500 firefighters, 18 planes, and helicopters battled the blaze near Villanueva de Viver, and eight communities were evacuated.

Spain is experiencing a long-term drought, and the weather will be drier and hotter than usual this spring along Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, increasing the risk of wildfires.

The lack of rain and warmer-than-normal temperatures during the winter raise drought warnings for southern Spain, France, Ireland, Britain, northern Italy, Greece, and parts of eastern Europe.

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