1 Dead, 180 Evacuated as Wildfire Rages Near Madrid

Firefighters have brought under control a large wildfire near Tres Cantos, close to the Spanish capital Madrid, which claimed the life of one person and forced the evacuation of 180 residents.

According to Madrid regional authorities, favorable overnight conditions allowed crews to contain the fire after hours of intense work. The blaze, which broke out earlier this week, destroyed more than 2,000 acres of land and posed a serious threat to nearby communities.

Emergency services reported that a man suffered burns covering 98 percent of his body. He was airlifted to La Paz Hospital but later died from his injuries.

Spain’s national weather agency has warned that the ongoing heat wave will continue through Tuesday, with temperatures in some areas expected to reach 44°C.

Scientists say the combination of record heat and prolonged drought across the Mediterranean region is creating highly dangerous conditions for wildfires, making the area increasingly vulnerable to devastating blazes during the summer months.