A heatwave has brought record-breaking temperatures to southern Europe, sparking widespread wildfires across France, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. Firefighters are battling blazes that have left one person dead and 25 injured, including 19 firefighters.
France’s largest wildfire in decades is being fought by about 1,400 firefighters in the Aude region, where roads have been reopened but strict access bans remain in place. Authorities warn that the fire will not be extinguished for several weeks due to “hot spots” being closely monitored.
Fires continue to rage in Spain and Greece, with temperatures reaching close to 39°C in parts of Spain and Portugal. In Greece, a large wildfire has caused significant damage and claimed one life, while authorities have issued evacuation orders as the blaze approaches residential areas.
In Turkey, wildfires are largely under control after intense firefighting efforts, but four suspects have been taken into custody amid ongoing investigations into their cause.
Climate scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making southern Europe increasingly vulnerable to wildfires. The UN World Meteorological Organisation estimates that scaling up heat-health warning systems could save nearly 100,000 lives annually.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/09/wildfires-rage-across-southern-europe-amid-record-temperatures