Wildfires driven by strong winds have spread across several parts of Europe, with Greece, France and Spain carrying out major firefighting operations and emergency evacuations as extreme weather conditions continue.
Greece faced renewed wildfire threats on Saturday, including areas near Athens, after strong winds intensified fires across the country. Authorities issued emergency alerts in several regions and warned of an extremely high wildfire risk, particularly in Attica and Evia.
More than 300 firefighters, supported by 92 fire engines, heavy machinery and aircraft, were deployed to tackle a major blaze in Boeotia. Over 200 residents from Agios Vasileios, located about 80 kilometres northwest of Athens, were evacuated by sea as the fire approached the area.
Additional rescue operations were carried out in Porto Germeno, where 12 people escaping the same fire were evacuated by Greek Coast Guard boats and a Fire Service vessel. Firefighters also continued overnight operations in Argolida and Arta.
In France, a wildfire in the southeastern Var region that had previously been contained reignited on Friday, spreading across more than 1,000 hectares within six hours. Nearly 2,500 people were evacuated overnight as firefighters prepared for stronger winds that could make containment efforts more difficult.
Spain continued battling multiple wildfire hotspots after the government ended a national emergency linked to severe fires in central areas. In Leon province, new outbreaks remained active, while some areas in Zamora and Castellon saw improvements that allowed evacuated residents to return home.
Authorities in Castellon said a wildfire in Vall d’Uixo, which burned nearly 10,000 hectares, had been stabilised after seven days. Police are investigating suspected arson after detecting two separate ignition points.
The wildfire crisis comes after Europe experienced a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions, with villages destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people forced to leave their homes and holiday locations.
The extreme heat has also caused health concerns across the continent. Austria recorded 395 heat-related deaths in June, while Britain, France and Germany reported thousands of excess deaths linked to high temperatures this year.
The ongoing heatwave has also affected energy production, with Hungary’s nuclear power output and Serbia’s hydropower generation reduced due to record-low water levels along the Danube River.
River transport has also been disrupted in Hungary, Serbia and Romania, with vessels forced to reduce cargo loads due to shrinking waterways. Romania’s nuclear power operator was also forced to shut down one reactor due to low river levels, raising concerns over possible impacts on electricity supply.
