Wildfires ravage Southern Europe: Three dead, thousands evacuated
Hundreds of firefighters are battling flames across Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Albania, as scorching heat and strong winds fuel blazes that have destroyed farmland, forests, homes, and infrastructure. Authorities say many fires may have been deliberately set by arsonists.
According to Reuters and Kathimerini, the European Union has dispatched reinforcements to Greece and Spain, where fires have taken a heavy toll. In Spain, a 37-year-old volunteer firefighter, Jaime Aparicio, died after suffering severe burns, becoming one of three victims of this summer’s infernos.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), nearly half of the EU’s burned land this year – around 500,000 hectares – lies on the Iberian Peninsula alone.
Greece under pressure
Near the western port city of Patras, more than 200 firefighters and 11 aircraft worked to contain flames threatening homes and farmland. Civil Protection and Climate Change Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis warned that “just a spark is enough to start a fire that can quickly spin out of control.”
Police confirmed that three suspects were arrested for allegedly starting wildfires near Patras. Greece has deployed a record 18,000 firefighters nationwide this year in preparation for the season.
On Thursday, 11 large blazes were still burning across the country, prompting the evacuation of over 9,000 residents. Road closures and rail service suspensions were also reported.
Adding to the crisis, a firefighter in Patras was injured after falling into a ravine while battling flames. He was rescued by colleagues and hospitalized with leg and back injuries.
Spain, Portugal, and Albania struggle
In Portugal, nearly 1,000 firefighters fought to contain a massive blaze near the mountain village of Piodao, while crews finally brought under control a fire that had burned for 11 days in the Vila Real region.
In Albania, soldiers, volunteers, and international support teams – including an Italian Canadair jet – joined efforts to extinguish flames in the Sopot area. Prime Minister Edi Rama revealed that 137 arsonists have been identified since June, with several arrests already made.
For many, the losses are personal and devastating. Clirim Conku, a 61-year-old farmer in southern Albania, lost his vineyards, olive groves, and livestock to the flames. “At least my dog and I survived,” he told local media.
A Growing climate threat
Scientists warn that climate change is making Mediterranean summers hotter and drier, creating conditions for more frequent and more destructive wildfires. This year’s disasters have once again highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action across Europe to protect lives, communities, and natural resources.
