Investigators identify heavy machinery behind Spain's record wildfires

Investigators have identified an eight-tonne excavator operated in Burgohondo, Ávila, as the origin of Spain's historic wildfire complex. Contracted by local livestock farmers, the machinery's hydraulic hammer reportedly sparked the blaze, which has charred over 50,000 hectares in Ávila alone and up to 77,000 hectares across central Spain.

Emergency authorities report that evacuation and confinement orders have affected between 73,000 and 90,000 residents across four provinces. While firefighting teams note minor stabilization in select sectors, unified command structures remain deployed to prevent merging fronts, as fires in La Vall d'Uixó and surrounding regions continue burning.

Sources: El Mundo, La Vanguardia