Climate change helps breed springtime wildfires in Spain

Published March 29, 2023 11:20 PM

By JOSEPH WILSON
Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Firefighter Manuel Rubio had never seen a blaze like the one that raged for the past week in eastern Spain. The blaze that has burned over 4,600 hectares (11,660 acres) has surprised Rubio and fire experts by displaying a ferocity normally seen only in the hottest days of summer. But a prolonged drought after the country’s record-hot 2022 appears to have brought the wildfire season forward. Officials are now bracing for more huge fires. Spain had the most burned terrain in Europe last year. The Mediterranean region is warming faster than the global average due to climate change caused by the release of greenhouse gases.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.