Spain is battling its most destructive wildfire season on record, with flames spreading to the southern slopes of the Picos de Europa mountains on August 18 and forcing the closure of part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Defense Minister Margarita Robles told Cadena SER radio that "this is a fire situation we haven't experienced in 20 years," linking the severity to climate change and record-breaking hot weather.
The heat wave, which lasted 16 days, was Spain’s third-longest on record, with temperatures climbing to 45°C (113°F), according to the state weather agency Aemet. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) estimates that 344,400 hectares (851,000 acres) have already burned this year, the highest figure since records began in 2006.
The wildfires have already claimed four lives, including a firefighter who died after his truck crashed. To battle the flames, Spain has deployed 3,000 troops and 50 aircraft, while receiving additional support from several European nations through the EU Civil Protection mechanism, the Interior Ministry confirmed.
Fires have been a destructive force throughout history, affecting civilizations from Ancient Rome to present-day California. To learn about the deadliest fires in human history, click through this gallery.