Galicia has always been synonymous with lush, green forests and rolling countryside, but a combination of arsonists and a bludgeoning drought is turning swathes of the region into wasteland.

And the arrival of the a dying hurricane from across the Atlantic hasn’t helped.

Galicia as of this morning has been battling 105 active fires, 16 of which are threatening populated areas. Yesterday, Sunday the 15th, three people died: two were found in a burnt out car and the third, an elderly man, was found in an animal shed behind his house – he had stayed behind to rescue his animals.

As well as these three victims, there are 20 injured.

The Prime Minister of the Region, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has convoked an emergency meeting and the Regional Minister for the Environment, Isabel García Tejerina, has called upon citizens to identify the culprits and inform the police.

Tuned to national radio this morning, listeners could hear interviews with the mayor close to tears, and some of those affected. One woman suggested tying the culprits to a charred pine tree and burning them whilst another woman pointed out the coincidence between a project to build a golf course which was rejected by locals and the fire on this exact spot. Feelings are running high.

In the meantime, 500 soldiers, 350 firefighters, 220 fire engines, 40 earth-moving vehicles and 20 aircraft are pitted against the flames.

(News: Vigo, Galicia)