Spain's Aragon sends 'largest deployment' against wildfire

On Sunday, the Spanish Aragon region unleashed what officials termed the most extensive firefighting force in its history in response to a wildfire threatening a 1,000-year-old monastery. The fire ignited on Monday and had advanced toward the iconic San Juan de la Pena monasteries, situated in the rugged northeastern terrain. The oldest monastery, steeped in legend and tradition, dates back to the 10th century and houses the remains of the initial Aragon kings, which were salvaged on Thursday.

A tumultuous week characterized by erratic winds and soaring temperatures led the flames to ravage 16,600 hectares (41,000 acres) and force the displacement of over 1,000 residents from nearby villages. The regional government conveyed a "night of positive work" on Sunday, as firefighters successfully fortified a substantial portion of the perimeter.

They were set to receive additional reinforcements from 100 French firefighters and between 35 to 40 aircraft, as reported by the regional government. The total firefighting force would swell to 1,000 personnel, marking the largest deployment of resources against a fire in Aragon's history, according to regional leader Jorge Azcon.

"We are approaching the day with optimism, yet with utmost caution," Azcon shared on X. In neighboring Andalusia, authorities granted permission for hundreds of evacuees to return home following a wildfire that had raged for a decade and scorched more than 25,000 hectares, which was declared under control on Sunday. Like many of Europe's nations, Spain has experienced several bouts of intense summer heat, creating favorable conditions for wildfires.

Scientists attribute this trend to climate change, which is intensified by human activities that burn fossil fuels. In late July, a blaze just dozens of kilometers west of Madrid became the largest in Spain's recent history, triggering a nationwide emergency.