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Europe Ablaze: France, Spain, Greece Battle Deadly Wildfires
30 Jul
Summary
- Wildfires engulf France, Spain, and Greece amidst record heatwaves.
- Thousands evacuated as firefighters battle blazes with gale-force winds.
- Europe faces its fastest warming summer, with fires surpassing previous records.

Europe is contending with severe wildfire outbreaks across France, Spain, and Greece as soaring temperatures and high winds exacerbate the situation. France has arrested two individuals on suspicion of arson as firefighters work to contain a vast fire near Bordeaux that has already scorched 42,000 hectares, forcing approximately 220,000 people to evacuate.
In Greece, three firefighters have died battling blazes on two fronts, with one fire in central Crete trapping two crew members and another in the Peloponnese claiming a third life. High winds are fanning flames, particularly in Crete, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists from coastal areas.
Spain is facing an 'extreme' crisis with at least 10 active wildfires. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted the critical situation fueled by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Efforts are underway to combat fires in eastern Castellon province and new outbreaks in Zamora and Leon, prompting further evacuations.
Europe, identified as the world's fastest warming continent, is experiencing an unusually severe wildfire season. The current summer's fire activity has already surpassed the records of 2025, with many regions facing temperatures significantly above historical averages.