Wildfires are sweeping across several parts of Europe, leaving deaths, evacuations and widespread destruction as firefighters battle flames intensified by extreme heat, drought and strong winds. Greece, Spain, France, Belgium and Portugal are among the countries facing serious outbreaks, with emergency teams working to protect communities and critical sites. The European Union’s Joint Research Centre said more than 568,000 hectares had been burned by wildfires across the EU by August 13, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
In Greece, an elderly couple died outside their home in the Peristeria beach area on the island of Salamis after a fast-moving wildfire swept through the area. More than 500 people were ordered to evacuate as flames threatened homes and other buildings. About 192 firefighters, supported by aircraft, helicopters, volunteers and water tankers, were deployed to fight the blaze, while authorities prepared for possible sea evacuations.
Spain is also struggling with a major wildfire in the northeastern region of Aragon, where a soldier died while helping firefighters battle the flames. The fire has burned thousands of hectares and threatened a historic monastery believed to be around 1,000 years old. France was expected to send additional firefighters to help Spanish authorities contain the blaze, as difficult weather conditions continued to complicate firefighting efforts.
Belgium is battling what authorities describe as its largest recorded wildfire, with flames burning about 3,000 hectares in the High Fens nature reserve near the German border. Around 600 people were evacuated from nearby communities as firefighters from Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg, together with military personnel and aerial support, worked to prevent the fire from spreading. Light rain provided some temporary relief, but authorities warned that the situation remained serious.
In Portugal, hundreds of firefighters are fighting several separate wildfires, including one near Dine, close to the Spanish border, where five firefighters were injured after their vehicle caught fire. Other blazes have been reported near Boticas and Chaves, adding to the pressure on emergency services. The widespread fires come as much of Europe experiences intense heat and unusually dry conditions, which experts say are creating increasingly dangerous conditions for wildfires across the continent.
Firefighters battle raging wildfires as flames and thick smoke spread across parts of Europe amid extreme heat and dry conditions.
