Wildfires are tearing through Europe at an unprecedented pace — from Scotland to Italy — forcing mass evacuations, destroying vast landscapes, and claiming lives.
Screenshot from CNN Travel video
According to official data, by mid-August, Europe has recorded more than twice the number of fires compared to the average in recent decades, with experts warning the continent is on track for its worst wildfire season in history.
Heatwave fuels historic fire season
France, Spain, Albania, Portugal, and Greece are among the hardest-hit countries, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.7°C) in many regions.
While wildfires are not new to Europe, the climate crisis is fuelling hotter, drier conditions, creating the perfect storm for extreme fire seasons. Nearly 2.4 million acres have already burned this year — more than double the typical 865,000 acres for this time of year — according to the European Forest Fire Information System, analysed by CNN.
Spain: deadly flames and mass evacuations
In Spain, nearly 1,000 firefighters have been deployed to battle dozens of blazes. In Tres Cantos, near Madrid, a fire scorched around 2,500 acres and claimed the life of a man who suffered burns over 98% of his body, according to Reuters.
In southern Spain’s Tarifa, around 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated as flames edged dangerously close to the beaches. Celebrity chef José Andrés shared images on Tuesday showing fire racing across the hillsides.
Temperatures in some parts of Spain are expected to climb above 110°F (43°C) this week. “The danger is extraordinary,” warned the Spanish weather agency AEMET.
Portugal: ‘We are being cooked alive’
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Portugal is also facing intense fire outbreaks. A major blaze near Trancoso has consumed more than 7,500 acres, with 1,200 firefighters and 400 vehicles battling the flames.
In the district of Vila Real, fires have been burning for 10 days. “We are being cooked alive, this cannot continue,” said Mayor Alexandre Favaios, as temperatures climbed past 104°F (40°C), according to the Portuguese weather service, IPMA.
Italy, France, and the Balkans hit hard
Southern Italy saw dozens of fires erupt near Mount Vesuvius, prompting the closure of hiking trails. The Italian health ministry has issued red heat alerts for 16 cities.
In France, a huge blaze in Aude — the largest in the country since 1949 — is now mostly contained but remains a concern as the heatwave continues. The fire claimed at least one life last week.
Across the Balkans, Albania is battling fires near the famous “Blue Eye” nature park. In Montenegro, flames crept toward the capital, Podgorica, while in Croatia, firefighters contained a wildfire near Split on Monday.
Europe’s fire future
Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, and scientists warn that climate change is increasing both the frequency and severity of wildfires. Without urgent action, summers like this one could become the norm — with catastrophic consequences for people, wildlife, and landscapes.
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