A fast-moving wildfire continues to burn out of control in Herbón, Padrón (A Coruña), northwestern Spain, forcing evacuations, triggering a Level 2 emergency alert, and consuming hundreds of hectares as firefighters battle extreme heat and strong winds.

The blaze, which erupted on Friday afternoon, has already scorched approximately 330 hectares and continues to spread into neighboring municipalities, raising concerns that changing weather conditions could further complicate suppression efforts.

Authorities remain on high alert as emergency crews work around the clock to prevent the flames from reaching additional residential areas.

Fire Spreads Beyond Padrón Into Teo Municipality

The wildfire was first reported at 4:01 p.m. local time in the parish of Herbón, within the municipality of Padrón.

Since then, the fire has continued to expand, crossing municipal boundaries and advancing into the neighboring municipality of Teo, moving toward the area of Vilar do Bispo.

Local officials say the spread into multiple jurisdictions has made firefighting operations significantly more complex, requiring increased coordination between regional and national emergency services.

Residents Forced to Evacuate

As flames approached populated areas, authorities ordered the evacuation of the settlement of Cruxeiras de Abaixo, where approximately ten homes were considered to be under immediate threat.

Residents were evacuated as a precaution and remained unable to return to their properties while firefighting operations continued throughout the day.

Officials continue to closely monitor the situation and remain prepared to issue additional evacuation orders if conditions worsen.

Heat and Strong Winds Fuel the Blaze

Firefighters initially believed the wildfire was beginning to stabilize during the morning hours, but deteriorating weather conditions quickly changed the situation.

Temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) combined with increasing winds caused one of the active fire fronts to intensify again, significantly increasing fire behavior and forcing authorities to reinforce suppression efforts.

Local officials acknowledged that the persistent winds have become one of the biggest challenges facing emergency crews.

Massive Firefighting Operation Underway

A major firefighting response has been mobilized involving both regional and national resources.

The operation includes:

• Forestry technicians
• Fire officers
• Ground firefighting crews
• Water tanker units
• Heavy machinery
• Amphibious firefighting aircraft
• Helicopters coordinated by the Xunta de Galicia and Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition

Aerial and ground teams continue working simultaneously to slow the wildfire’s advance and protect nearby communities.

Road Closures and Emergency Measures

As the wildfire expanded, authorities implemented additional emergency measures to protect public safety.

The Civil Guard ordered the closure of several roads, including routes connecting Carcacía to Padrón and Vilar do Bispo to Lampai in the municipality of Teo.

These restrictions are intended to facilitate emergency operations while reducing risks to motorists and local residents.

No Injuries Reported So Far

Despite the wildfire’s proximity to populated areas, officials have not reported any injuries or damage to residential buildings at this stage.

However, emergency authorities stress that the situation remains highly dynamic and continue to maintain maximum vigilance as weather conditions remain unfavorable.

The regional Ministry of Rural Affairs has activated Preventive Emergency Situation Level 2, reflecting the elevated risk posed to nearby communities.

Galicia Faces Growing Wildfire Concerns

The Herbón wildfire comes amid increasing concern over wildfire activity across Galicia as temperatures rise and vegetation becomes increasingly dry.

Regional authorities have officially designated the 2026 high wildfire risk season from 1 July through 30 September, although officials have indicated that the period could be extended into October if conditions require.

Early Season Fire Raises Alarm

Galicia’s annual wildfire prevention strategy, known as Pladiga, aims to limit the total burned area during the 2026 season to approximately 29,207 hectares.

With hundreds of hectares already destroyed by the Padrón wildfire before the official peak season has even begun, authorities are warning that continued heat and dry conditions could create an exceptionally challenging summer for firefighters across the region.

Emergency officials continue urging residents to remain alert, follow official instructions, and avoid any activities that could increase the risk of additional wildfire ignitions.