Raging wildfires have taken hold across several Greek islands, with villages evacuated as firefighters struggle to contain the flames. In the Rethymno region of southern Crete, fires are burning "out of control on all fronts," and strong winds have prevented firefighting aircraft from being deployed. Thousands, including tourists, have been evacuated. Urgent evacuation orders have also been issued for areas on Paros and Andros.
Three firefighters killed in Greece
Two firefighters, aged 25 and 58, died after becoming trapped between two fire fronts in the Rethymno region of Crete on Wednesday. A third firefighter, aged 27, was found unconscious near the southern Peloponnese port town of Gytheio and later pronounced dead. The fire service said they "fell heroically in the line of duty, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens as well as the natural environment."
A new wildfire broke out in Paleopolis on the island of Andros, and residents were told to evacuate. A "very high wildfire risk" (Risk Category 4) has been forecast for the next day across large parts of Greece, including Attica, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, the North Aegean, the South Aegean (Cyclades only), Crete, Western Greece, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
France: Gironde blaze stable after rain
In France, a little rain fell near Bordeaux, raising hopes that the fire which has ravaged 42,000 hectares in Gironde is nearing an end. Authorities allowed some of the 220,000 displaced residents to return home. The main blaze began last Wednesday near the village of Saumos, about 25 miles west of Bordeaux. Regional firefighting chief Marc Vermeulen said teams will still need to spend several days dousing water on remaining flames. The amount of ground burnt remained at 42,000 hectares, and the prefecture reported "a rather calm night." Temperatures dropped significantly from 41°C to between 27°C and 34°C.
France saw heatwave records in the southwest, with Brive-la-Gaillarde recording 42.2°C and Tarbes crossing 40°C for the first time in its history. Drought now covers mainland France and Corsica, with soils nearing the record dryness of August 2022.
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. Investigators believe contractors working near a high-voltage line may have ignited the blaze using a brush-cutting machine, though the work appeared to comply with regulations. The secretary general of France's biggest police union, Alliance, Fabien Vanhemelryck, slammed thefts and burglaries in the disaster areas, saying "individuals are taking advantage of human distress to steal the belongings of evacuees."
Elsewhere in Europe
Wildfires are also burning in Spain, Portugal, and Turkey. In Spain, a level two extreme warning was issued for wildfires in Fermoselle, Zamora, and surrounding areas, with evacuations underway including a nursing home. A community of Augustinian nuns was forced to evacuate their monastery in Sotillo de la Adrada. In Portugal, fires are burning in the Mirandela municipality. In Turkey, wildfires are burning in parts of Antalya and Mugla province, including near the coastal resort of Bodrum.
In the UK, a major incident was declared after a large wildfire broke out at Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast, with properties evacuated. In East London, a grassland fire burned through four hectares, requiring 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters.
Europe's emergency response chief warned that Italy will face risk at the beginning of August, and if the Iberian Peninsula also faces fires, "we will have all Europe on fire." The UK and France have committed to working together to address climate resilience and wildfire threats.
George and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, south-east France, writing a letter to the mayor expressing hope for safety and commitment to the community.
