Spain has been battling wildfires over the weekend, with particularly dangerous episodes in western Extremadura and south-eastern Murcia.
At least 1,400 residents and tourists had to be evacuated on Friday from towns and campsites in the Sierra de Gata mountain area near Caceres. The area borders on Portugal.
The cause of the fire was still undetermined but "everything seems to indicate" that arson was to blame, the regional government leader told reporters.
The blaze, fanned by strong winds, has consumed more than 5,000 hectares of land, despite the battle being waged by at least 330 firefighters and emergency crew, including a number dispatched from Portugal to assist.
In Murcia, about 600 firefighters were battling four other wildfires which have so far burned 3,000 hectares of forest and scrubland.
The risk of wildfires was high across much of Spain owing to high temperatures, strong winds and parched vegetation, the agriculture ministry warned.
This year more than 54,000 hectares of Spanish agricultural and forest land has been devoured by flame, more than the combined amount burned during the last two years, according to the ministry.
Most of the wildfires were in July, which was the country's hottest month on record according to national weather agency AEMET.
Meanwhile in Portugal, nearly 80% of the country is undergoing severe or extreme drought conditions, according to officials who warn that rising temperatures and moderate winds are increasing the threat of more fires.
The Portuguese Weather and Sea Institute reported that average rainfall in July was only 3.5mm. The usual amount for July is almost 14mm.pain has been battling wildfires over the weekend, with particularly dangerous episodes in western Extremadura and south-eastern Murcia.
