Wildfires break out in Spain, Portugal as Western Europe sees prolonged heat wave

MADRID – A Spanish official says more than 1,350 residents have been evacuated from their homes in the northeastern region of Aragon as a wildfire spreads through a pine forest amid a lingering heat wave.

Lavier Lamban, the president of Aragon, said Sunday that five villages were evacuated as flames devoured hills 375 kilometers (230 miles) northeast of Madrid. He says the evacuees, who included the residents of a retirement home, were transferred to nearby towns.

The fire broke out Saturday afternoon. Windy conditions are fanning its flames Sunday, causing a large plume of smoke.

In Portugal, the National Civil Protection Authority says almost 100 firefighters are tackling a wildfire that broke out Saturday night in the forests of Alcobertas, north of Lisbon.