Key facts
- Two individuals were arrested on suspicion of arson in France.
- Wildfires near Bordeaux have consumed 42,000 hectares.
- Around 220,000 people were evacuated in France due to the fires.
- Spain is contending with at least 10 active wildfires.
- Three firefighters have died in Greece due to wildfires.
Wildfires are raging across Europe, with France, Spain, and Greece battling significant blazes amidst soaring temperatures and dry conditions. In southwestern France, two individuals were arrested on suspicion of arson as firefighters worked to contain a vast fire near Bordeaux that has consumed 42,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of approximately 220,000 people. While the spread near Bordeaux has reportedly slowed, authorities caution that the fires are not yet over.
Spain is facing an "extreme" crisis with at least 10 active wildfires, particularly in the northwestern provinces of Zamora and Leon, and the eastern province of Castellon, where over 9,300 hectares have been ravaged. Over 1,000 people have been evacuated in Zamora, and more than 300 in Leon.
Greece has been battling fires on two fronts, tragically resulting in the deaths of three firefighters. High winds have hampered firefighting efforts, preventing the deployment of aircraft in some areas. Hundreds of residents and tourists have been evacuated from parts of Crete.
These events highlight Europe's vulnerability to extreme weather, with the continent experiencing an above-average wildfire season. The average temperature in Europe is forecast to be significantly above its historical norm, exacerbating the risk of fires.