Three firefighters have died battling wildfires in Greece as extreme heat and strong winds continue to fuel blazes across southern Europe.
Two firefighters were killed while fighting a wildfire in the Rethymno region of Crete after becoming trapped as flames spread rapidly through the area.
A third firefighter was later found unconscious near the southern port town of Gytheio in the Peloponnese and was pronounced dead.
Powerful winds have intensified the fires on Crete, forcing the evacuation of several villages, including Krya Vrysi, where the two firefighters lost their lives.
Residents described the conditions as terrifying, with one local telling Reuters that the strong winds made it difficult to stand while massive flames spread quickly across the region.
Wildfires have also broken out on the Greek islands of Paros and Lesbos, as well as in Trifylia on the mainland.
In neighbouring Turkey, a wildfire in Muğla province forced authorities to temporarily close the main highway linking Fethiye and Antalya, while part of a hospital was evacuated as a precaution.
Elsewhere in Europe, Spain and France are experiencing another intense heatwave, with firefighters racing to prevent recently contained wildfires from reigniting.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that the next 12 hours would be “decisive” in controlling a massive wildfire near Madrid, citing soaring temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
More than 43,000 hectares have already burned in Ávila province, making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in Spain. Overall, wildfires have scorched more than 207,000 hectares across the country this year.
Although thousands of residents have now been allowed to return home after evacuation orders were lifted in several regions, authorities remain concerned that the fires could flare up again.
In France, firefighters continue monitoring several major blazes in the Gironde region despite bringing them under control. Officials have warned that temperatures could reach 41°C, increasing the risk of new outbreaks.
Authorities have also deployed additional protection around key defence and aerospace facilities in the region due to the wildfire threat.
Scientists say climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves across Europe, increasing the risk of prolonged droughts and destructive wildfires throughout the continent.
