Wildfires are sweeping across southern Europe, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and leading officials to ban spectators from a stage of the Tour de France. This comes amid warnings of “powder keg” conditions following a record-breaking early summer heatwave.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling blazes that have burned nearly 20,000 hectares (49,500 acres) in Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece. Strong winds are expected to fan the flames, and temperatures are predicted to rise again this week.
In the remote foothills of the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, 700 firefighters are struggling to control a wildfire that has scorched 5,000 hectares and forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate.
These fires follow an unusually early heatwave in May and another in June that broke temperature records across western Europe.
“This morning, conditions are getting worse again,” said French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez on Monday. He added that wildfires are now burning in five departments, and twice as much land has burned in France this season compared to the same time last year.
The Pyrenees fire has nearly tripled in size since Sunday. “It came within 300 meters of the houses. We were shocked by how fast it spread—it was staggering, bordering on panic,” said Patrice, a resident of the village of Trévillach, to Agence France-Presse.
The blazes come after a May heatwave and another in June that shattered temperature records across western Europe, caused thousands of excess deaths, and left large areas of land especially vulnerable to wildfires.
The World Weather Attribution group of scientists says the extreme temperatures recorded in June would have been “virtually impossible” without the climate crisis. Temperatures are expected to rise again this week, reaching 40°C in some areas.
“Climate change is here, we are living the consequences, and it’s only the start of July,” said Eric Belgioino, fire chief for Pyrénées-Orientales. “This season is going to be a long one for the firefighters. You have to help us.”
The regional prefect, Pierre Regnault de la Mothe, ordered Tour de France spectators “not to go near the route or the finish area” of Monday’s third stage, which runs through the Pyrenees from Spain into France. He said the stage would be “limited to the passage of the riders only and vehicles essential to the race.”
On the Spanish side of the border, fire has ravaged 2,200 hectares, 97% of which is in the protected natural area of Les Gavarres. Eduard Martinez, head of operations for the Catalan fire service, said the fire had a perimeter of 40 kilometers (25 miles).
Firefighters said their efforts would be complicated by rising temperatures and many “smoking hotspots” within the perimeter. But late Sunday, they announced the blaze was stable and hoped it would be extinguished during the week.
South of Catalonia, in Spain’s eastern Castellón province, more than 500 people were evacuated after a wildfire spread into the Sierra de Espadán national park.
In central Portugal’s Vouzela area, more than 1,200 firefighters, supported by nearly 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft, were trying to put out a fire that started on Thursday and had burned 13,000 hectares by Sunday.
Spain and Italy sent firefighters and aircraft to help. Emergency services said Monday that while dangerous conditions remain, they are working to control the fires.Pots remained, and 80% of the fire was under control. Portugal’s interior minister, Luís Neves, described the situation as a “powder keg.”
Elsewhere, large fires also destroyed hundreds of hectares of forest, vineyards, and scrubland on the Croatian island of Hvar and in Tale, Albania. In Greece, which was mostly spared by last month’s heatwave, flames from a forest fire tore through two factories in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
View image in fullscreen: A fire burns on the outskirts of Thessaloniki, Greece. Evacuation alerts have been issued, and residents have been told to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut. Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock
Greek authorities issued evacuation alerts for three suburbs and urged residents in parts of the city to stay indoors and close their windows and doors due to toxic smoke from one of the factories, a recycling plant.
Another large wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon west of Athens. Firefighters—210 in total, supported by volunteers, specialized teams, and 29 aircraft—were deployed to fight the blaze burning through a pine forest in the Mandra area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the wildfires spreading across southern Europe with clear and concise answers
General Basic Questions
1 Why are there so many wildfires in southern Europe right now
The main cause is a combination of extreme heat drought and strong winds Climate change is making these conditions more common creating the perfect environment for fires to start and spread quickly
2 What is causing these fires to start
While lightning can cause fires most are started by human activity This includes things like discarded cigarettes sparks from machinery unattended campfires or even arson
3 How fast can a wildfire spread
Extremely fast In strong winds and dry conditions a wildfire can move as fast as a person can runsometimes covering a football field in just a few seconds This is why evacuations are ordered so quickly
4 Why are people being forced to leave their homes
Its for their safety Wildfires are unpredictable produce toxic smoke and can trap people Evacuation orders are issued to get people out before the fire reaches their area as it can be too dangerous to leave later
Advanced Practical Questions
5 How do firefighters actually stop a wildfire this big
They use several strategies
Aerial attacks Planes and helicopters drop water or fire retardant to slow the fires advance
Creating firebreaks Bulldozers or hand crews clear vegetation to create a gap the fire cant cross
Backburning They intentionally set small controlled fires ahead of the main fire to remove fuel in its path
6 Is there a fire season in Europe now
Yes its becoming a yearround problem in some areas but the peak season is typically from June to September However due to climate change fires are starting earlier in spring and lasting later into autumn
7 What should I do if Im on vacation in southern Europe and a wildfire starts nearby
1 Follow local authorities Evacuate immediately if told to Do not wait
2 Stay informed Check local news weather apps and official emergency alerts
3 Close all windows and vents in your accommodation if you are not evacuated but are near smoke
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