Severe Wildfires Threaten the UNESCO Heritage Site of Las Medulas in Spain
In a devastating turn of events, severe wildfires have engulfed the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Las Medulas, known for its Roman gold mines, as hundreds of residents were evacuated amid extreme heat and dry conditions in Castilla y Leon. The fires, which commenced on Saturday afternoon, have prompted emergency measures, with authorities struggling to contain multiple blazes throughout the region, reports 24brussels.
Alfonso Fernandez, the Mayor of Carucedo, described the perilous situation, stating, “We are surrounded; the town is encircled by flames,” emphasizing the devastation faced by the community. The urgency of the situation has forced evacuations not only in Las Medulas but also in surrounding areas such as Carucedo and Orellanwere.
In addition to the fires affecting Las Medulas, another wildfire led to the evacuation of approximately 850 residents in the province of Zamora. Local emergency services reported some progress in controlling the blaze, facilitated by heavy machinery and concerted overnight efforts from firefighting teams.
Estos días el corazón nos duele a todos los bercianos 💔#LasMedulas patrimonio de la humanidad ardiendo. Cientos de vecinos evacuados.
Ánimo y solidaridad con los vecinos, GRACIAS a los brigadistas, servicios extinción y UME. pic.twitter.com/uVEbsYAFMt
— Gloria F Merayo (@GloriaFMerayo) August 11, 2025
The message from a local resident highlighted the collective grief experienced by the community, with expressions of solidarity towards those affected and gratitude to the firefighting teams involved in containment efforts.
This weekend, Castilla and Leon recorded over 30 wildfires of varying intensities as Spain contends with one of the most prolonged and severe heatwaves since climate records began in 1975. With temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius, additional fires have broken out in Navarra and Huelva.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 46,000 hectares have already burned in Spain in 2025, a figure that is likely to rise given that the heatwave is expected to persist into the next weekend.
