France, Aug. 14 -- Spain has officially asked for assistance from its European neighbours to fight forest fires that have been raging through the country's northwest.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Wednesday that Spain had requested two Canadair planes in anticipation of the weather forecast

In an interview with local media Cadena SER, he said the country is ready to seek more help from European allies, such as morefirefighters, when needed.

Fires, fuelled by extreme temperatures and strong winds, have destroyed thousands of hectares in several regions of the country, as they have elsewhere in Europe, notably in France and Portugal.

About fifteen major fires are burning in northwestern Spain, notably in the Castile...