Europe is experiencing its worst wildfire season in history due to record-breaking temperatures and drought. Fires are raging across the continent, including France, Spain, Albania, Portugal, and Greece, with nearly 2.4 million acres burned so far this year.
The climate crisis is driving hotter and drier weather, setting the stage for more frequent and severe fires. Spain has seen nearly 1,000 firefighters deployed, with thousands under evacuation orders due to raging blazes.
A massive fire in Tres Cantos near Madrid killed one man who suffered burns over 98% of his body. Firefighters have contained most of the blaze, but dozens of others continue to rage across the country.
Portugal is also battling large fires, including a blaze that has burned through over 7,500 acres. Temperatures in parts of Spain and Portugal are expected to reach above 110 degrees Fahrenheit this week, making it an extraordinary fire danger.
Fires have spread across southern Europe, with Italy experiencing dozens of blazes near Mount Vesuvius. France is battling its largest wildfire since 1949, while Albania and the Balkans region are also dealing with raging blazes.
Scientists warn that as the climate crisis escalates, wildfires will only become more frequent and severe. The continent is warming at a rate faster than any other, making it increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/12/climate/europe-wildfires-heatwave-drought