Arsonists are behind most of the 100 or so wildfires raging across the heavily wooded and mountainous Spanish region of Asturias, officials have said.
Unusually high spring temperatures and gusting winds have helped spread the fires over the past two days, with some 400 people needing to be evacuated from villages and small towns and several roads cut off for safety.
Asturias regional president Adrián Barbón said the "full weight of the law" would be applied to what he described as "fire terrorists".
Mr Barbón said the fires were started in an organised way by criminals taking advantage of the adverse weather conditions.
He didn't explain what the alleged arsonists' motives might be.
No arrests have been made.
Watch more from Independent TV: [ Ссылка ]
Click here to subscribe to The Independent: [ Ссылка ]
About The Independent:
Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.
Connect with The Independent:
Check out our full video catalog: [ Ссылка ]
Videos, daily editorial and more: [ Ссылка ]
Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: [ Ссылка ]
Like The Independent on Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Follow The Independent on Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Follow The Independent on Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
Download the iOS & Android app: [ Ссылка ]
Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - [ Ссылка ]
Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: [ Ссылка ]
