Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced the deployment of the country's military to combat a raging fire that has spiralled out of control in the western region of Extremadura in Spain.

Daramtic video filmed in Pinofranqueado on May 17 shows a mountain being engulfed in a massive fire, accompanied by billowing smoke ascending into the sky.

The blaze, which originated on Wednesday (May 17) night in the densely wooded mountains of Las Hurdes, has prompted authorities to advise residents of the nearby village of Ovejuela to remain indoors due to the deteriorating air quality caused by the thick smoke.

Fanned by strong winds and dry conditions, the fire has rapidly spread, prompting Pedro Munez, the head of Extremadura's Forest Policy, to assert that it was a deliberate act of arson. "A fire that started at 10 pm in two separate places right when the wind was blowing strong. Yes, it is intentional," he disclosed to the media.

As the wildfire's intensity grew throughout the day, the regional government of Extremadura officially requested assistance from the Spanish military. This collaboration aims to bring the situation under control and prevent further destruction.

Extremadura has been on high alert for wildfires since April 10, with abnormally hot and dry temperatures exacerbating the risk.

The Spanish government, local authorities, and firefighting teams are working tirelessly to combat the current blaze and minimize its impact on both the environment and local communities.

A level-two wildfire continued to burn in Pinofranqueado, Cáceres, western Spain, reaching the neighboring Sierra de Gata as of Thursday, May 18, according to reports.



RESTRICTIONS AND USAGE TERMS: Please credit “@Josemi_cc via Spectee”.
*******************************************************************

Video Location: Pinofranqueado, Las Hurdes, Cáceres, Spain
Video Recording Date/Time: May 17, 2023 at 00:30h
Country: None