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[INTERNATIONAL] · Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, Italy · 80 sources

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Portugal, Spain and France face record heatwave and massive wildfires

A historic heatwave sweeping southwestern Europe has pushed daytime temperatures to 40‑43 °C and kept nights unusually warm, prompting red and orange weather alerts across most of Portugal and parts of Spain and France. The extreme heat, combined with strong winds, ignited multiple large forest fires: more than 13,000 ha burned in northern Portugal, over 2,200 ha in Spain’s Costa Brava, and around 1,600 ha near Perpignan in southern France. Greece also saw smoky conditions as firefighters battled a plant fire threatening the city of Thessaloniki.

National emergency services deployed thousands of firefighters, dozens of aircraft and support units from neighbouring countries. Portugal received aid from Spain, Italy and the EU, including Canadair water‑bombers. Shelters were opened for evacuees and authorities urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid midday sun and protect vulnerable groups. So far nine people in Portugal have been injured, with additional injuries reported in France. The situation remains “extremely complex” as fire officials continue to combat active hotspots despite the deteriorating weather.

The heatwave is expected to last up to ten days, keeping fire risk at a high level and prompting continued coordination among European civil protection agencies.

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3 months ago