Southern Europe heatwave wildfires intensify

By 14 August 2026, extreme heatwaves and droughts triggered widespread, uncontrollable wildfires across much of Europe, including Croatia, France, Germany, Spain, Greece, and the United Kingdom.

In Croatia, a devastating fire in the Dalmatian resort of Lokva Rogoznica resulted in one death and dozens of injuries, with several people sustaining life-threatening burns. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described the blaze as one of the worst in recent years.

In France, authorities reported that 474 individuals have been arrested since 1 July on suspicion of starting fires, including 183 minors; approximately 70% of these arrests are linked to suspected arson. In the Landes region, a fast-moving fire destroyed thousands of acres of pine forest within 24 hours, forcing the evacuation of over 525 residents from the village of Lyglo.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe is on “high alert for fires,” noting the use of Copernicus satellite observations to map hotspots in Spain, Albania, Greece, France, Germany, and Serbia. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism remains active to assist countries requesting aid.