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Wildfires Rage Across Southern Europe
Multiple countries in Southern Europe are grappling with intense wildfires fueled by persistent heatwaves. France has deployed over 1,000 firefighters in recent days, while Spain's capital Madrid remains shrouded in gray-orange smoke from nearby blazes. Greece also faces widespread fires across its territory.
Extreme Conditions Fuel Crisis
The fires result from a dangerous combination of high temperatures, prolonged drought, and strong winds accelerating their spread. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), 232,000 hectares of European land have burned this year - an area equivalent to Luxembourg.
France's Battle Against Flames
France confronted multiple wildfires overnight. In the legendary Brocéliande forest (linked to King Arthur mythology), 120 hectares burned before containment. Southern Martigues lost over 240 hectares of woodland. Authorities mobilized 973 firefighters in Martigues and 270 in Brocéliande, with seven of nine regional forest zones at high risk.
Spanish Emergency Measures
Spain has seen over 25,000 hectares destroyed this year. Near Madrid, temperatures reached 39°C as 150+ firefighters battled the Mentrida blaze. Dutch firefighters recently arrived to learn water-free firefighting techniques from Spanish experts - skills becoming essential in changing climate conditions.
Greece's Nationwide Crisis
Greece faces fires from Oropos near Athens to northern Thassos island. Chios and Crete witnessed mass evacuations affecting 18,000 people. EU Crisis Management Commissioner Lahbib visited Athens, transferring 100 EU-funded fire vehicles while warning: "Europe's wildfire season grows longer, more intense, and less predictable."
