Europe battles raging wildfires and record heatwave as temperature soar

Devastating wildfires are affecting several countries of Europe as a scorching heatwave has engulfed the region, triggering mass evacuations.

As the temperature reached the record-breaking 43°C (109.4°F), firefighters are struggling to contain blazes in Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, and Turkey.

Authorities warn that such an intensification of heatwaves is a result of climate change.

In northwestern Spain, flames even affected Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Roman gold mines.

High winds of up to 40km/h (25 mph) fuel the wildfire, creating “fire whirls,” making the firefighters' work even more difficult.

According to the regional officials, four injuries have been confirmed, including two firefighters. 700 evacuations have also been reported.

With the temperature rising to 40°C (104°F), France has issued its highest red heat alert for 12 departments.

16,000 hectares (40,000 acres) have already been burnt in the Aude wine region due to raging wildfires.

Recent updates from the Balkans and Eastern Europe are:

• Portugal: Almost 700 firefighters fought an inferno near Trancoso.
• Bulgaria: More than 200 fires have erupted with three major blazes near Greece and Turkey.
• Montenegro: Wildfires near Podgorica are forcing evacuations, with officials warning the situation is “catastrophic.”
• Hungary: Temperature exceeds 39.9°C (104°F) breaking a 1848 record and prompting a nationwide fire ban.
• Turkey: A wildfire near Çanakkale shut down the Dardanelles Strait for firefighting aircraft.

This catastrophic situation is a result of Europe experiencing twice the global average temperature.

The land temperature has increased 2.3°C above pre-industrial levels.

2025 is recorded as the hottest year, following a trend of extreme fire seasons.

Currently, evacuations are occurring in Spain, Turkey, and Montenegro.

Health warnings are issued in the UK, where a fourth heatwave is expected this summer.

As temperature is predicted to get even higher and flames rage, authorities warn residents to avoid high-risk areas and prepare for prolonged extreme weather.