Forest fires in Spain destroy more than 13.000 hectares of land

A forest fire that broke out earlier this week about 100 kilometers north of Madrid has burned more than 13.000 hectares, local authorities said today.

A fire in the Guadalajara region has destroyed 13.000 hectares of land and endangered more than 700 people, the fire service responsible for the central region of Spain said.

Around 350 firefighters and members of the Spanish Army's Emergency Situations Unit have been sent to the affected area, supported by 25 aircraft, writes Le Monde.

The fire broke out in a mountainous forest area that is home to endangered species of eagles and wolves.

The heat wave is expected to last until Thursday, when temperatures could exceed 45 degrees in some areas.