France, Aug. 14 -- Spain has asked for European Union help to fight forest fires in the northwest that have killed three people and forced more than 8,000 to flee their homes.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Wednesday that Spain has called on the EU's assistance mechanism to help battle at least 14 fires across the country.

Spain has requested two Canadair firefighting aircraft and is ready to seek more help, including extra firefighters, if needed.

The EU assistance system, set up in 2001, allows the 27 member states and 10 other countries to support each other during emergencies.

Fires, fuelled by extreme temperatures and strong winds, have destroyed thousands of hectares in several regions of Spain, as they have ...