Wildfires in Spain kill one, thousands flee

The fire, driven by strong winds, led to significant destruction in areas like Tres Cantos, while over 30 blazes were reported in Castile and Leon.

A man died from burns and thousands of people were forced to flee as wildfires swept through parts of Spain on Tuesday, fuelled by strong winds during a searing heatwave.

The wildfire broke out near where a similar blaze forced evacuations earlier this month.(Unsplash/representational)

The victim suffered serious burns as winds of up to 70 kilometres (43 miles) per hour whipped the flames through Tres Cantos, a wealthy suburb north of the capital Madrid, officials said.

He later died in hospital, in the first fatality from dozens of wildfires to have hit the country since the heatwave began last week.

The head of the regional government of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, said she "deeply regretted" the man's death in a message on X.

Hundreds of residents in Tres Cantos were evacuated from their homes.

"In barely 40 minutes, the fire advanced six kilometres," Carlos Novillo, Madrid's regional environment chief, told reporters.

By Tuesday morning, regional officials said the blaze had been contained.

The wildfires coincide with what meteorologists expect to be the most intense day yet of the ongoing heatwave, with all regions under weather alerts.

Forecasters warn of highs around 40 Celsius and overnight lows that remain above 25 Celsius.