By Nacho Doce and Guillermo Martinez GONDULFES, Spain (Reuters) -Wildfires raging in northern and western Spain have burned through nearly the same area in the past 24 hours as in all of last year, although the end of a 16-day heatwave and expected rainfall have fanned hopes that an end may be in sight.

Spain's worst wave of wildfires on record spread to the southern slopes of the Picos de Europa mountains on Monday and prompted authorities to close part of the popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

More than 1100 deaths in Spain have been linked to a 16-day heatwave that ended on Monday, according to an estimate released on Tuesday by the Carlos III Health Institute. Officials reported 1149 excess deaths in Spain from August 3-18 that could be attributed to the scorching temperatures,

Spain's weather agency warned the public on Monday to be "cautious" of the "very high or extreme fire danger."

The key to preventing forest fires is creating a rural economy based on the use of forests. While this would generate much-needed employment in “la España vaciada” – “hollowed-out Spain”, the name given to the country’s depopulated rural areas – it also costs money. It is therefore essential to invest in forests.

Turkish Airlines said on Tuesday that its offer for the acquisition of a minority stake in Spanish airline Air Europa has been accepted. The Turkish flag carrier disclosed in June that it was holding non-binding talks over a potential Air Europa investment,

France sent two teams of 100 firefighters, who were “currently arriving,” Virginia Barcones Sanz, the director general of civil protection and emergencies in Spain, told reporters on Monday. Germany is deploying a team of 66 firefighters with 21 vehicles, while Finland is sending 30 firefighters, she said.

Wildfires in Spain spanning a burnt area twice the size of London will trigger disaster declarations for the worst affected regions, its prime minister said, clearing the way for funding for aid and reconstruction.

VILLANUEVA DE LA SIERRA, Spain, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Spain battled 14 major fires driven by high winds and aggravated by heat on Friday as authorities warned of "unfavourable conditions" to tackle flames that have already killed seven people and burned an area the size of London.

Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has given an update on players concerning Real Madrid in an interview with Onda Cero. With the new season only just beginning, De la Fuente is not