The Southern Europe wildfires continue to rage across Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans as temperatures soar above 40°C. Scientists warn that global warming fuels hotter and drier Mediterranean summers, creating ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly. In Portugal, Mayor Alexandre Favaios described the situation as unbearable, with three major blazes still threatening communities.
Near Madrid, a blaze killed a man working at a horse stable before firefighters contained it. Flames in Tarifa forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 residents and visitors. Helicopters dropped seawater to control the blaze as thick smoke rose above the hills. Albania and Montenegro issued heat alerts, while Germany, Italy, and France prepared for extreme temperatures. In Spain, forecasters predicted highs of 44°C with dry winds increasing the danger.
Spain’s Interior Ministry placed national forces on standby under a “pre-emergency” order. Nearly 1,000 members of the armed forces joined firefighting teams. Castile and Leon faced 32 active wildfires, forcing thousands to leave their homes. In northern Portugal, more than 1,300 firefighters supported by 14 aircraft fought three large blazes. One fire in Vila Real has burned for 10 days, prompting urgent calls for more government assistance. Morocco sent two firefighting planes to help after Portugal grounded its own for repairs.
Albania relied on helicopters from several countries to tackle 19 wildfires driven by strong winds. Montenegro contained a large blaze near Podgorica, but smoke still blanketed the city. Residents mourned the loss of homes and personal items that cannot be replaced.
In Greece, gale-force winds pushed flames toward villages, hotels, and homes on Zakynthos and Cephalonia. Fire crews and aircraft raced to stop further destruction. In Turkey, a major fire in Canakkale burned for a second day, forcing evacuations and closing the Dardanelles Strait and Canakkale Airport. While teams brought some fires under control, others continue to threaten populated areas.
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