Key facts
- Three Greek firefighters died battling wildfires on Crete and the mainland.
- High winds and high temperatures are fueling the fires.
- Hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated from villages on Crete.
- Greece and Italy face heightened wildfire risk.
- Europe is experiencing record-breaking heatwaves due to climate change.
Three Greek firefighters died battling wildfires on Crete and the mainland amid high winds and evacuations. The blazes on Crete continued for a second day on Thursday, with over 200 firefighters, dozens of fire engines, and water-carrying aircraft engaged in efforts. Strong winds prevented aircraft from operating in the morning. The deputy regional governor for civil protection on Crete warned that winds were expected to increase later in the day. The head of the EU's emergency response centre indicated that Greece and Italy face a heightened wildfire risk in the coming weeks. Europe, the world's fastest-warming continent, has experienced record heatwaves this year, intensifying conditions conducive to wildfires. Spain and France have also seen large-scale evacuations due to blazes that have scorched forests and killed wildlife. Spanish officials warned of "three tough days" ahead due to strong winds and high temperatures, although a major fire in the Avila and Madrid region had stabilized.