Wildfires rage across Spain amid an unusual heatwave in Europe

An early summer heatwave continues to fuel a series of wildfires in northern Spain as the mercury touched 42 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.

An out-of-control wildfire continues to rage in northwest Spain, destroying more than 25,000 hectares of land amid an intense heatwave, the regional government said. Credit: Reuters Photo

Hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel have been dispatched to fight the blaze, which was sparked by a lightning strike on June 15. Credit: Reuters Photo

More than 500 firefighters are supported by water-dumping planes and helicopters in the sparsely populated area. Credit: Reuters Photo

Military firefighting units have been deployed in Zamora, Navarra and Lleida. Credit: Reuters Photo

The regional government of Navarra urged residents to avoid

Spain has endured a week of an unusually early heatwave, as temperatures above 40 degrees celsius were recorded in many cities and areas throughout the past few days. Credit: Reuters Photo

A lack of rainfall this year combined with gusting winds have produced the conditions for the fires. Credit: Reuters Photo

However, there have been no reports of lives lost, but the flames reached the outskirts of some villages both in Zamora and in central Navarra. Credit: Reuters Photo

A helicopter drops river water onto a wildfire at the Sierra de la Culebra near Villanueva de Valrojo, Zamora, Spain. Credit: Reuters Photo