Several countries in southern Europe are experiencing severe wildfires, with two firefighters recently killed in Greece after being surrounded by flames amid a new wave of heat worsening the situation.
Foreign news agencies reported on 29 Jul 2026 that many southern European countries are facing a severe wildfire crisis exacerbated by a fresh heatwave, resulting in multiple deaths, damaged buildings, and large-scale evacuations.
In Greece, two firefighters died on the island of Crete after being trapped by wildfires near the city of Rethymno, where strong gusts extended the fire line up to 15 kilometers, prompting urgent evacuations of several villages.
Besides Crete, Greece is also battling wildfires on the islands of Paros and Lesbos, as well as in the mainland city of Trifylia.
In Spain, the country is facing its largest wildfire in history, including in the Burgohondo district of Ávila, where over 43,000 hectares (approximately 268,000 rai) have been burned, bringing Spain’s total burned area this year to more than 207,000 hectares.
Authorities have regained control in some areas, allowing tens of thousands of residents in Madrid, Toledo, Ávila, and Castellón to return home. However, the wildfire in La Vall d'Uixó remains uncontrolled, with the death toll reaching 15.
French officials issued an orange heatwave alert across 16 southwestern departments, with temperatures possibly reaching 41 degrees Celsius and dry winds that may reignite previously contained wildfires. Firefighters are taking special precautions to protect a hazardous materials plant for missiles and rockets in Gironde.
In Turkey, wildfires in Muğla province have forced the closure of the main highway connecting Fethiye and Antalya and led to partial evacuations of hospitals.
In Portugal, wildfires continue to rage in Vila Real in the north, with authorities closely monitoring a wastewater treatment plant and gas storage near the town of Valpaços.
Analysts observe that climate change is causing Europe to warm at twice the global average rate, leading to more frequent summer heatwaves, water shortages, and increasingly severe wildfires.
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Source:bbc