Wildfires Force Evacuations Across Southern Europe
Wildfires are sweeping through popular holiday regions in Spain, Greece, France, and Portugal as temperatures surge above 40°C, forcing thousands to flee homes and resorts. Emergency officials have urged travellers to ensure their phones can receive alerts as fast-moving fires continue to spread.
Nearly 50,000 acres of land—an area roughly the size of Liverpool—have been destroyed, prompting warnings of “powder-keg” conditions. The Tour de France route has been partially closed to spectators due to the blazes.
Spain: Arrest Made as Costa Brava Blaze Forces Evacuations
In the popular tourist destination of Platja d’Aro beach resort on the Costa Brava, approximately 150 people were evacuated, including 70 children from a holiday camp. Catalan police arrested a man on suspicion of starting the fire while using an angle grinder by the roadside.
Firefighters across eastern Spain tackled blazes in the Sierra de Espadan Natural Park, with over 200 emergency personnel deployed alongside military support and aircraft. Wildfires in Catalonia have razed 2,000 hectares of forest, and authorities urged residents to stay at home.
France: Pyrenees Fire Nearly Triples, 10,000 Evacuated
In the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, 700 firefighters struggled to contain an out-of-control wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 10,000 people. French interior minister Laurent Nuñez said on Monday: "This morning, conditions are deteriorating again," noting that twice as much land had burned so far this season compared to the same time last year.
The "gigantic" Pyrenees fire has nearly tripled in size since Sunday, coming within 30 metres of homes. Eric Belgioino, fire chief for Pyrénées-Orientales, stated: "Climate change is here, we are living the consequences and it is only the start of July. This season is going to be a long one for the soldiers fighting fires. You have to help us."
Regional prefect Pierre Regnault de la Mothe instructed Tour de France spectators "not to go near the route or to the finish area" of Monday's third stage, limiting access to riders and essential vehicles.
Portugal and Greece: Additional Blazes Strain Resources
In central Portugal, 1,200 firefighters and 15 aircraft have been tackling a devastating blaze in the Vouzela region that has been raging for over three days. International support has been deployed.
In Greece, residents in parts of Thessaloniki, the second-largest city, have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows shut due to hazardous smoke from a recycling facility consumed by flames. The Foreign Office guidance states: "Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, make sure your mobile phone is set to allow emergency alerts."
UK Fire Risk Warning Amid Third Heatwave
With temperatures forecast to climb once more this week—reaching 40°C across Europe and exceeding 31°C in the UK—fears are growing that further fires could ignite. A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson told The Mirror: "While wildfire numbers this year have not yet reached the scale we encountered last year, the risk picture is evolving. If the hot, dry weather continues, we could see wildfires becoming larger, more intense and more challenging for fire and rescue services to tackle."
