A major wildfire is tearing through Huelva province in southwestern Spain, with flames spreading rapidly as strong winds and high temperatures make firefighting increasingly difficult.
The blaze, burning near the town of Niebla, has already affected more than 4,000 hectares, according to local authorities.
Shifting winds, with gusts reaching around 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, have made the fire's behavior unpredictable and complicated efforts to establish control lines.
More than 400 people have been evacuated from several nearby communities as emergency authorities work to protect residents and prevent the flames from spreading further.
Around 150 firefighters and specialist personnel have been involved in the response, supported by emergency, medical, environmental and meteorological teams. Two firefighters were injured but have since been discharged from hospital.
Authorities say changing weather conditions could help stabilize the blaze, but the situation remains critical while winds continue shifting across the affected area.
The wildfire adds to a difficult summer fire season in southern Europe, where heat, dry vegetation and strong winds are increasing the challenge for emergency crews.
For communities across Huelva, firefighters remain focused on containing the flames and preventing further evacuations as the operation continues.
