Southern Europe Faces Escalating Wildfire Crisis Amid Extreme Heat

Wildfires continued to rage across southern Europe on Wednesday, with thousands of firefighters battling flames exacerbated by powerful winds and intense heat.

The region has been gripped by extreme temperatures since Friday, creating conditions that have fueled numerous fires and resulted in multiple fatalities over recent days. The death toll rose further on Wednesday.

At least four additional fatalities were confirmed across Spain, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and Albania. Numerous others, including firefighters, suffered injuries amid ongoing firefighting efforts.

Greek authorities have mobilized close to 5,000 firefighters, supported by 62 aircraft and several Coast Guard vessels, as they brace for what officials describe as an extremely challenging day ahead.

Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis, spokesperson for Greece’s fire service, warned of a very high fire risk in most areas of the country, citing strong winds that are complicating containment efforts.

On the popular tourist island of Chios, a wildfire has split into two fronts approaching residential zones. High winds have also hindered firefighting operations in Preveza on the western coast and in Patras, northern Peloponnese.

Spain is also grappling with severe wildfires amid record temperatures that have desiccated vegetation, increasing the likelihood of rapid fire spread.

Sara Aagesen, Spain’s Minister of Ecological Transition, reported that at least 14 active fires were burning on Wednesday. The national military emergency unit has deployed around 1,000 soldiers to assist firefighting efforts.

In Castilla y León, local officials confirmed the death of a 35-year-old volunteer firefighter. Seven others have sustained serious injuries, and approximately 8,200 residents have been evacuated in the region.

Galicia’s regional emergency services reported at least 15 people injured due to the wildfires.

In Turkey, roughly 1,800 emergency personnel and 19 aircraft have been engaged in battling a wildfire near the coastal city of Canakkale. The government’s chief spokesman announced that a fatality occurred when a fire truck overturned during operations.

Montenegro’s defense ministry confirmed that an army sergeant died and another was seriously injured when their water tanker overturned while responding to fires. Albania’s government also reported at least one fatality linked to the wildfires.