Europe Wildfires Rage: Thousands Flee, Tour de France Disrupted

Wildfires are currently devastating southern Europe, impacting Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece. These infernos have already consumed more than 19,000 hectares of land, an area exceeding twice the size of Manhattan. Temperatures are predicted to reach 40C in affected areas.

In southwestern France, approximately 5,000 people were evacuated from their homes near Perpignan as firefighters worked to contain a blaze that has devoured 1,650 hectares. Residents described being woken in the early morning hours by urgent evacuation orders due to the rapidly approaching flames and the overwhelming smell of smoke.

This crisis follows a severe heatwave in June, which scientists have linked to climate change. The early start to the wildfire season, occurring in early July, has alarmed authorities. French fire service Colonel Eric Belgioino emphasized the urgency, stating, "Climate change is here, we are living the consequences." He appealed to the public to take precautions to prevent new fires.

The Tour de France cycling race has also been affected. Monday's third stage through the Pyrenees, which travels from Spain into France, will proceed without spectators. This decision was made to limit public presence and potential fire risks along the route.

Greece is experiencing fires that have damaged factories in Thessaloniki, leading to evacuations and warnings for residents to close their windows due to poisonous smoke. In Spain, a fire on the Costa Brava coast has burned over 2,200 hectares, with rising temperatures expected to complicate firefighting efforts. Portugal has brought 80 percent of a major wildfire under control, which had devastated approximately 13,000 hectares in the north of the country. Additional fires have been reported in Croatia and Albania.