Galicia Under Fire

Flames Engulf Our Land

This summer, Galicia faces its gravest environmental challenge yet. Ourense, in particular, has been devastated—over 42,000 hectares have burned across the province, with 18 major fires still active. Among them, the megafire near Chandrexa de Queixa—born from the merging of multiple fronts—has scorched more than 16,000 hectares, marking it as the most extensive blaze in Galicia’s history.

Fires are raging in Oímbra (10,500 ha), A Mezquita (9,000 ha), and Maceda (3,000 ha). Towns have been ordered to confine residents, and rail links remain suspended for a third straight day

Political Response and Coordination

The mounting pressure has prompted a visit from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who plans to tour the most affected areas in Ourense and León to meet with first responders and reassure communities Meanwhile, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), along with army air and land forces, are mobilized—more than 1,400 UME personnel and 2,000 support staff are actively engaged in fire suppression efforts.

Underlying Causes and Broader Crisis

Galicia’s fire crisis isn’t new—it’s fueled by climate change, prolonged heatwaves, and evolving weather patterns that spark and spread blazes faster. In turn, these conditions are exacerbated by land management issues: the proliferation of fire-prone eucalyptus plantations, lack of native grazing animals to clear undergrowth, and poor preventative policies

A Glimpse of Hope

Beyond the flames, a growing movement champions prevention and regeneration. Experts urge long-term strategies over reliance on emergency tactics—promoting landscape adaptation, support for local ecosystem recovery, and initiatives like shepherding livestock to manage undergrowth