Firefighters in Spain and France continue operations as an intense heatwave raises the risk of further wildfires across southern Europe. In Spain, a major blaze burning in the central Guadalajara province has begun to recede, allowing some residents to return home, while authorities warn that the danger of additional fires remains very high in much of the country. Other outlets describe the situation as involving Spain’s worst wildfire this year.
In France, firefighters battle separate blazes amid extreme temperatures. Two firefighters died on Tuesday when their truck was engulfed by flames in the southwest Gironde region. French authorities urge people to avoid activities such as barbecues in areas affected by the heatwave, citing the role of human causes in many wildfires.
Beyond the EU, reporting also notes that in parts of the Western Balkans the threat has shifted from heat to hailstorms, with injuries reported in North Macedonia and eastern Kosovo. Scientists cited across coverage say human-driven climate change is increasing the intensity of heatwaves and the conditions that lead to drought and wildfires, and that Europe has experienced multiple back-to-back heatwaves this year.
