Wildfires scorch over 17,000 hectares in southern Europe as heatwave persists

More than 17,000 hectares have been destroyed by wildfires in Portugal, Spain, and France over the past several days, fueled by extreme temperatures that are expected to reach 40°C again. The fires have prompted international aid and the evacuation of thousands, with the French minister noting that the fire season has started a month early Source: Clarín.

Portugal's Vouzela fire

The largest blaze is in Portugal's Vouzela region, where at least 13,000 hectares have burned. Authorities report the fire is about 80% controlled, but official José Costa said it "ha recorrido 35 km entre su punto de inicio y su ubicación actual" Source: Portafolio. Spain and Italy have sent reinforcements under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism Source: Euronews. Over 1,200 firefighters are deployed, with help from Spanish military units Source: Infobae. The government has declared a state of alert through Monday Source: Infobae.

Spain and France

In Spain, a fire near the Costa Brava has burned 2,200 hectares, almost all within the protected Gavarras natural area. A suspect has been detained for negligence Source: Clarín. In France, about 600 firefighters are battling a fire in Trevillach that has scorched 1,650 hectares, with two seriously injured and 5,000 evacuated Source: Diario Libre. Authorities closed roads and opened emergency shelters Source: Diario Libre.