The fire burning aross the northern part of Ávila province for two days now has claimed a second life, bringing to eleven the number of people killed by fires this summer, the highest number of deaths since 2005 when 23 people lost their lives in the summer flames.
 
The second victim, Juan Carlos Rodríguez Matabuena, a foreman with the Tragsa company, sent by the Community of Madrid to help get the fire under control, was run over last night by a bulldozer whilst showing the driver what route to take to create a firewall.

Although one section of the fire is now under control, the remainder has been described as 'virulent' and 'out of control'.

According to defence minister, Carme Chacón, the next few hours will be crucial to controlling the fire as temperatures are still rising, the wind is getting stronger all the time and access for the firefighters is difficult. 

In Zaragoza, members of the Guardia Civil have had to evacuate 150 people from the town of Valmadrid and three separate residential areas in María de Huerva, where fire has already destroyed 700 hectares.
 
The fire in Las Hurdes (Cáceres), which began on Saturday and which has already destroyed 3,000 hectares, has been stabilised but is still not under control.

Firefighters are still trying to control blazes in Aliaga (Teruel), Harana/Valle de Harana (Álava), Arta (Balearic Islands) and Jumilla (Murcia).