Southern Europe faces widespread wildfires and extreme heat

Southern Europe is facing severe wildfires and extreme heatwaves, leading to large-scale evacuations and significant property destruction. In France, massive wildfires in the Gironde region near Bordeaux have destroyed approximately 140 homes, prompting the deployment of military personnel and the distribution of 1.5 million protective face masks due to heavy smoke.

Spain has also experienced widespread activity, with roughly 70,000 people evacuated in central Spain alone during a single dangerous period. Combined, the wildfire emergencies in France and Spain have displaced more than a quarter-million people. Greece is facing similar challenges, as powerful winds push flames toward residential areas.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) indicates that the total area affected by fire between June 18 and September 2 is well above the 20-year average. While the scale of current fires remains below the record set in 2025, which saw over 800,000 hectares burned, the current conditions continue to stretch emergency services across the region.