Europe wildfires: more than 300,000 flee homes and holiday accommodation as fires rage

Speaking during a visit to the command post in Ávila on Sunday morning, Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said that while “difficult hours” lay ahead, there had been some good news on containing the fire.

“We’re facing some difficult hours, although it’s true that the latest update has shown that last night was very positive in terms of the fire’s evolution and efforts to control it,” he said. “We’ll see what happens today, but I’d once again like to urge people to take huge care and to stay up to date.”

Sánchez pointed out that Spain and neighbouring Portugal were experiencing the varied consequences of the climate emergency, from fires and heavy snowfalls to storms. “The entire Iberian peninsula is suffering the effects of the climate emergency in a very specific way,” he added.

The prime minister also spoke of the need for people to remain properly informed about the fires and their causes, and criticised those who are using social media to pump out hoaxes and fake news.

Over recent days, false stories have circulated on social media, claiming the fires have been intentionally started in order to clear the ground for new solar panel installations or to explore new areas for mining.

“Sadly, we’re seeing a lot of fake news during this emergency,” said Sánchez. “And all that does is create more worries and more anxiety for people.”