By David E. Hubler
Contributor, EDM Digest
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Firefighters in Spain on Monday have contained but not yet extinguished a wildfire in hills near Madrid. The fire has been burning for four straight days, according to the Associated Press. There are no reports so far of deaths or injuries from the blaze.
More than 500 firefighters supported by 49 vehicles and 14 water-dropping aircraft are fighting the 10,00-acre blaze some 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of the Spanish capital.
The aircraft “were taking special care to avoid dumping water on the nest of an imperial eagle — a protected species — in the area,” the AP said, citing the Madrid region emergency services. An unnamed conservation group said the nest contained a chick.
Cause of Spanish Wildfire under Investigation
Police are investigating the cause of the wildfire. One possible cause might be the record-breaking heat wave that has enveloped much of Europe with temperatures in the area of the fire as high as around 36 Celsius (97 Fahrenheit).
On Friday, Spaniards were “bracing for temperature of up to 42 degrees [107 Fahrenheit]” according to Spain’s state meteorological agency Agencia Estatal de Meterologia (AEMET), CNN reported.
Madrid regional fire chief Agustín de la Herrán said lower temperatures in recent days and a weakening wind are giving officials hope they might soon extinguish the blaze.
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