A massive wildfire has engulfed more than 79,000 acres in the Burgohondo mountains near Ávila, Spain, marking one of the largest fires in the country’s recent history. The blaze, reported on Thursday, continues to spread through the rural areas of Guadalajara, challenging firefighting efforts amid dry and windy conditions.

Authorities have deployed extensive ground and aerial resources to contain the fire, which has prompted evacuation orders for several small communities in the region. Firefighters face difficult terrain and shifting winds, complicating containment operations and raising concerns about further property damage and threats to local residents.

This incident follows closely on the heels of another devastating wildfire in southern Spain less than two weeks ago, which resulted in significant loss of life and substantial damage. Officials have raised alarms about the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across Spain, attributing the trend to prolonged drought conditions and rising temperatures linked to climate change.

Government agencies in Spain are coordinating with regional authorities to bolster fire prevention measures and improve emergency response protocols. Meanwhile, local communities remain on alert as efforts continue to bring the current blaze under control. No official casualty figures have been released for the Ávila fire as of yet.