Large parts of Spain are set to experience wildfires as land continues to be sunbaked and dehydrated.
Land across the Pyrenees mountains and northeastern Spain - along with areas across the Mediterranean - are preparing for vicious wildfires. It comes as a dangerous combination extended drought and record breaking temperatures has left dense woodland areas unable to adapt.
The risk also extends to those travelling to these parts of Spain. One of the top firefighters in the Catalonia region, Asier Larranaga , says he is ready for the worst in the relentlessly hot months of July and August.
Larranaga, 52, is one of the top fire analysts for the firefighters of Catalonia charged with safeguarding the region's homes and landscapes.
He spoke to the Associated Press from the rural town of Solsona, some two hours north of Barcelona
"If we have a normal summer - and conditions of low humidity combined with high temperatures, then we will see fires that quickly expand beyond our extinction capacity," said the fire analyst.
"And for areas where it has not rained in May and this month, we could see these types of fires as early as next week."
Last year Spain endured the largest losses due to wildfires of any EU country as 2022 say record breaking weather.
Four people sadly lost their lives during the extreme temperatures, with wildfires consuming 306,000 hectares. And 12 months later, Spain is set to endure similar conditions, with 66,00 hectares already turning to ash this year.
The fires coincide with Catalonia and a large part of Spain's south bearing the brunt of a drought that started last year and has only recently been somewhat alleviated by rain.
The central reservoirs for Catalonia, which provides water for some six million people, including those in popular tourist spot Barcelona, are only at 29 percent capacity. Water restrictions remain in place in the region.
