Raging wildfires have forced mass evacuations across Greek islands, including Crete, Paros, and Andros, while devastating blazes continue to scorch southern France, Spain, and Portugal. Three firefighters have died in Greece—two on Crete and one in the Peloponnese.
Greece: Fires Rage Out of Control
Wildfires in the Rethymno area of southern Crete are burning "out of control on all fronts," with firefighting aircraft unable to be deployed due to strong winds. Around 8,000 people have been evacuated from parts of Rethymno, including tourists. Two fire engines were engulfed in flames, with two firefighters sustaining minor burns.
On the island of Andros, a new wildfire broke out in Paleopolis, prompting evacuation orders. Residents were told to flee towards Batsi. The Cyclades Arson Crime Investigation Team has been mobilized to investigate the cause.
In Lesvos, active fire fronts remain in Plomari, with 52 firefighters working to extinguish them. Strong winds pose a risk of flare-ups.
France: Massive Blaze in Gironde
In France, a wildfire in the Gironde region has ravaged 42,000 hectares, triggering the evacuation of up to 220,000 people at its peak. The fire remained stable after a calm night, and some rain fell near Bordeaux, allowing some evacuees to return home. "If the night goes well, we can reasonably be more optimistic for tomorrow [Thursday] and for the days to come, because the weather, finally, will be a little more favourable to us with a drop in temperatures," said Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas. Firefighting chief Marc Vermeulen noted that teams will still need to douse remaining flames.
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. Police union secretary general Fabien Vanhemelryck condemned looting in evacuated areas, saying "individuals are taking advantage of human distress to steal the belongings of evacuees."
A new fire reignited in the Var region, with 200 firefighters and six helicopters deployed.
Spain and Portugal
In Spain, a level two extreme warning was issued for a wildfire in Fermoselle, Zamora, prompting evacuation of several localities. A community of nuns was forced to evacuate their monastery in Sotillo de la Adrada.
In Portugal, wildfires raged in the Mirandela municipality.
EU Warns of Widespread Fire Risk
Maria Zuber, head of the EU's Emergency Response Co-ordination Centre, warned: "Italy will face risk at the beginning of August, and we will need to see what will happen with the Iberian Peninsula, because if (it is) there as well, we will have all Europe on fire."
A "very high wildfire risk" (Category 4) was forecast for large parts of Greece, including Attica, Peloponnese, Central Greece, islands in the North and South Aegean, Crete, Western Greece, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Turkey and UK
In Turkey, wildfires burned in the resort city of Antalya and Mugla province, including the coastal resort of Bodrum. Strong winds caused rapid spread.
In the UK, a large heathland fire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk prompted evacuations and a major incident declaration. In East London, a grassland fire burned four hectares.
International Response
The UK and France committed to strengthening cooperation on climate resilience, with a government spokesperson stating: "The two Ministers affirm that this summer’s wildfires demonstrated the risks posed to Europe by climate change." George and Amal Clooney were forced to evacuate their home in Brignoles, southern France, and pledged support for the community.
