Wildfires Intensify Across Europe Amid Extreme Heat

Wildfires are intensifying across several parts of Europe as record-breaking heat, drought and dry vegetation create dangerous conditions for rapidly spreading flames. Fires have triggered evacuations and caused deaths and injuries in countries including Croatia, Greece, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Croatia Faces Deadly Wildfires

Croatia’s coastal region has been among the worst-hit areas.

A fast-moving wildfire near Omiš killed one person and injured around 40 others. About 1,200 people were evacuated as flames spread rapidly through the area, damaging homes, vehicles and other property.

Croatian authorities described the blaze as one of the country’s worst, while firefighters continued working to prevent the flames from spreading further.

Greece Evacuates Beach Resort

In northern Greece, firefighters battled a major wildfire near the beach resort of Siviri.

More than 300 people were evacuated by boat as flames approached the coastal area. Strong winds made firefighting operations more difficult and caused the fire to spread rapidly.

The latest fires come after Greece has already experienced repeated wildfire outbreaks this summer.

France Battles New Blazes

France has also been hit by dangerous fires amid prolonged heatwave conditions.

In the Landes region of southwestern France, around 525 residents were evacuated from the village of Luglon after a wildfire spread through pine forests. More than 1,100 hectares of forest were reported to have burned in less than 24 hours.

France has experienced one of its most difficult fire seasons in recent years, with drought leaving forests exceptionally dry.

Germany Orders Evacuations

Wildfires have also spread into parts of Germany.

Authorities ordered approximately 1,800 people to evacuate near Gey, close to the Belgian border, after flames moved toward the village. Firefighting operations were complicated by unexploded Second World War-era ordnance in the affected forest.

Spain Remains Under Fire Threat

Spain continues to battle major wildfires, including a large blaze in Huelva that has already burned approximately 31,000 hectares and forced around 700 people to leave their homes.

Authorities have also taken measures to protect cultural and historic sites from advancing fires in affected regions.

UK Records Unprecedented Wildfire Activity

The United Kingdom is experiencing an unusually severe wildfire season.

Wildfire incidents across England and Wales have already exceeded the total recorded during 2025, when 1,017 incidents were reported. At least 37 active fires were reported nationwide in the latest update.

A major blaze in Stourbridge destroyed homes and forced residents to evacuate. London temperatures reached 38.1°C, contributing to exceptionally dry conditions across the country.

Extreme Heat and Drought Fuel the Crisis

The wildfire emergency is closely linked to the continent’s extreme weather.

The EU’s Joint Research Centre reported that 567,097 hectares had been affected by fires in the European Union by August 12, substantially above the 20-year average of 243,189 hectares for the same date.

The EU’s fire-danger forecast also showed very extreme conditions across large parts of central and eastern Europe, stretching from Germany and the Alpine region through Poland and into the Balkans.

Firefighters Under Growing Pressure

Emergency services across Europe are facing increasingly difficult conditions as multiple countries battle fires simultaneously.

High temperatures, low humidity, drought and strong winds can cause flames to spread quickly, making containment significantly harder.

The combination is particularly dangerous in densely forested and tourist-heavy coastal areas, where evacuation operations can become complicated during the peak summer holiday period.

Climate Change Adds to Long-Term Risk

Scientists have linked the increasingly hot and dry conditions to climate change, which is contributing to more frequent and intense extreme-weather events.

Reuters reported that hot weather and drought have created particularly favourable conditions for wildfires across countries including France, Spain and Greece, while the Balkans have experienced repeated heatwaves.

The effects extend beyond immediate fire damage, with agriculture, water supplies, tourism and infrastructure also facing increasing pressure.

Europe Faces Continuing Fire Risk

The wildfire situation remains dynamic, with new fires emerging even as firefighters manage to contain existing ones.

Authorities across affected countries are urging residents and tourists to follow evacuation orders and avoid entering high-risk areas.

With extreme heat and drought expected to continue affecting parts of Europe, firefighters remain on high alert as the continent faces one of its most challenging wildfire periods of the summer.

Source: European Union Joint Research Centre, Reuters and European emergency authorities.

Original Report: Wildfires are spreading across Europe amid extreme heat and drought, forcing evacuations and causing deaths, injuries and extensive property damage.

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