Firefighters across Europe were deployed over the weekend as wildfires broke out in several countries, driven by a severe heatwave that is expected to worsen in the coming days.
Fires were reported in France and Turkey on Sunday, with other nations on high alert. Authorities from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France urged residents to stay indoors and protect vulnerable populations as temperatures soared.
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Emergency teams and ambulances were stationed near tourist areas as experts warned of the increasing frequency of such extreme heat events, fueled by climate change.
In Turkey’s Izmir province, strong winds helped spread wildfires, forcing the evacuation of five neighborhoods. In France, a blaze in the Corbières region prompted evacuations from a campsite and abbey as temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F).
Greece had already faced a coastal forest fire south of Athens earlier in the week, causing evacuations. On Monday, Meteo France issued an orange heat alert—the second-highest level—for 84 of the country’s 101 regions.
In Spain, parts of Extremadura and Andalusia saw temperatures hit 44°C. In Madrid, where it approached 40°C, residents expressed concern about unusually high heat for this time of year.
Italy placed 21 cities on high alert, including Rome, Venice, Milan, and Naples. In Rome, tourists altered plans due to the heat, and hospitals reported a 10% rise in heatstroke cases, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable.
Portugal also faced red alerts in southern regions, including Lisbon, and most of the country was on fire watch. In Sicily, firefighters tackled 15 wildfires in just one day.
Scientists attributed the intensifying heat to climate change, which they say is especially dangerous in urban areas due to the “urban heat island” effect. Emanuela Piervitali from ISPRA warned that future heatwaves could bring even higher temperatures.
The rising heat has also encouraged the spread of invasive marine species like lionfish and toadfish in southern Italian waters, prompting ISPRA to launch a public awareness campaign.
France reported environmental impacts as well, with bird rescue centers overwhelmed due to heat-related distress among wildlife.
