Wildfires are currently ravaging multiple European nations, forcing thousands to evacuate across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece. These blazes follow a severe heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C in some areas in the coming days. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the infernos, which have already consumed over 19,000 hectares.

In southern France, over 10,000 people evacuated homes near Perpignan as firefighters worked to control a blaze that has consumed 1,650 hectares. Residents described the rapid spread. Patrice, a 53-year-old from Trevillach village, said, "The flames came within about 300 meters of our homes. Everyone was surprised and almost panicked as it spread with astonishing speed."

Wildfire in the Aspres region, Pyrenees-Orientales province, France on 6/7. Photo: AFP

Charlotte Pignol, 30, recounted, "We saw smoke around 10:30 p.m., then the fire spread closer. A town hall employee knocked on our door at 1 a.m. to ensure we all evacuated. Fire trucks were everywhere, and the smoke was thick." Separately, about 300 French firefighters are battling another blaze in the mountainous Drome province.

Wildfires in Greece have destroyed two factories in the northern city of Thessaloniki, prompting authorities to evacuate the surrounding area and advise residents to keep windows closed. In northeastern Spain, a fire near the Costa Brava coast has ravaged over 2,200 hectares in two days. Spanish firefighters report that high temperatures and persistent underground fires complicate response efforts.

Helicopter drops water on a fire on the outskirts of Thessaloniki, Greece on 5/7. Photo: AFP

Portuguese emergency agencies report 80% of the fires are under control, following the destruction of about 13,000 hectares of forest and scrubland in the country's north. Large fires have also damaged hundreds of hectares of forest, scrubland, and vineyards on Croatia's Hvar island and in Tale, Albania.

This wave of fires follows one of Europe's worst heatwaves. With temperatures expected to climb again, officials in many countries are concerned the summer wildfire season has begun one month earlier than usual. Eric Belgioino, a French fire official, warned, "Climate change is happening, we are suffering the consequences, and it's only the beginning of July. People in the burning areas of the Pyrenees need to be cautious and avoid causing fires. This summer will be very long for firefighters; you must help us."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)