Southern Europe Faces Deadly Wildfires Amid Persistent Heatwave
Spain recorded its third wildfire death this week, while Greece contained a fire threatening its third-largest city, Patras. The ongoing heatwave across Southern Europe continues to fuel dozens of fires, exhaust emergency crews, and prompt international assistance.
Spain: Fires Claim More Lives
A 37-year-old volunteer firefighter died from severe burns in the northwest Castile and León region. This marks the third fatality this week. Thousands of residents have evacuated homes, and flames have charred over 157,000 hectares (388,000 acres), more than triple the area burned by this point in 2024. Police arrested four suspected arsonists, adding to the season’s total of 30. Spain requested help from the EU, with France sending two Canadair firefighting planes.
Greece: Patras Blaze Slows but Danger Persists
Firefighters in Patras have gained ground against a wildfire that threatened urban areas. Lighter winds helped contain the fire, but it remains active. Fifteen firefighters required medical attention. Fires were also reported on Chios, Zante, and near Preveza. Authorities detained three men suspected of starting Patras fires. Satellite data from the EU’s Copernicus program estimates over 10,000 hectares burned.
Portugal, Balkans, and Beyond
Portugal deployed 1,900 firefighters across four major fronts, including Trancoso and Arganil regions. The Balkans saw severe wildfires fueled by a heatwave, including fatalities in Albania. In the Korça region, heat caused WWII munitions to detonate. Turkiye has battled widespread fires since June, with 18 deaths including rescue workers, highlighting the high human cost.
EU Support at Unprecedented Scale
The EU civil protection agency coordinated aid for Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania, deploying planes and helicopters under its joint assistance scheme. Officials note 16 emergency activations this season, equal to the full-year total of 2024. Experts link the intensity of these wildfires to hotter, more extreme weather patterns exacerbated by climate change. For ongoing coverage of climate events, see The Climate Post.
Looking Ahead
Authorities urge investment in early detection systems, smarter forest management, and stronger cross-border coordination. Fire crews continue to battle flames from Portugal to Turkiye, striving to protect lives, communities, and ecosystems during this unprecedented wildfire season.
