Southern Europe is engulfed by massive wildfires as the extreme heatwave makes containing the flames nearly impossible.
In Spain alone, 14 major fire outbreaks are raging, with three people confirmed dead, including two volunteer firefighters. Temperatures have soared above 40°C, prompting authorities to declare the fire risk level “extreme.”
In Portugal, a former mayor was found dead—the country’s first victim of this summer’s wildfires. More than 4,000 firefighters are currently battling seven large blazes.
Meanwhile, Greece is experiencing its fourth consecutive day of wildfires on the island of Chios, where new evacuation orders have been issued. Turkey is also struggling with fires spreading across several provinces.
Governments have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting international assistance with aircraft and additional firefighting teams.
Climate change is being cited as the main driving force, as Europe is heating up at twice the global average. According to the EU, 2024 is officially the hottest year ever recorded.
