In a significant move, the Spanish government has approved the declaration of areas severely affected by wildfires and heavy rains as civil protection emergency zones. This decision, made during the first Council of Ministers meeting post-summer, aims to assist those impacted by the climate disasters recorded from June twenty-third to August twenty-fifth. Among the one hundred and eighteen emergencies, one hundred and thirteen were due to wildfires.

The fires have ravaged approximately four hundred and eighteen thousand hectares in Spain, surpassing the total damage reported for the entire year of two thousand and twenty-two. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, highlighted the need for action during a recent visit to the affected areas. In light of the ongoing criticism regarding fire management, political discussions are set to intensify this week, with various ministers scheduled to address the Senate.

The approved measures include direct assistance for personal losses, such as fatalities and disabilities, along with support for material damage affecting homes and local businesses. Furthermore, the government plans to exempt certain fees associated with vehicle registration and identification cards for affected citizens. The Ministry of the Interior emphasises that the need for state intervention is justified by solidarity principles.

In parallel, a new inter-ministerial climate change committee has convened, aiming to address the pressing climate emergency through a national pact. Government spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, emphasised the importance of bipartisan cooperation on climate issues, highlighting that the challenges transcend political boundaries. The opposition leader has proposed an extensive plan with measures to combat future wildfires, illustrating the urgency of addressing this ongoing crisis.