Southern Europe Wildfires Contained But Threat Persists Amid Heatwave

Fire Situation in Southern Europe

Wildfires that devastated Southern Europe and Turkey in recent weeks are now largely under control. Thousands of firefighters battled blazes across multiple countries, with significant evacuations in Balkan nations and Italy.

Heatwave Returns

Spain's meteorological service Aemet warns of rising temperatures starting today, with a new heatwave expected from tomorrow through Thursday. Portugal faces similar conditions and has elevated its state of readiness.

Environmental Damage Assessment

Over 70,000 hectares burned in Spain and Portugal since January. Cyprus suffered unprecedented damage with 13,150 hectares destroyed - far above its annual average of 2,000 hectares. The fires claimed at least 14 lives in Turkey, including ten firefighters.

Ongoing Risk

Despite recent rainfall, Greece and Italy maintain extreme fire risk alerts. Athens and Southern Italy remain particularly vulnerable due to persistent drought conditions.

Climate Change Impact

Rising temperatures and stronger winds accelerate fire spread through dried vegetation. Global wildfires have increased 30% over two decades, with Europe experiencing more frequent and intense seasons. Spanish firefighters now employ innovative techniques like vegetation removal and controlled burns.

International Cooperation

Dutch firefighters recently trained in Spain to adopt these advanced methods, as the Netherlands faces hundreds of annual wildfires.