Heat-Fuelled Wildfires Kill Dozens, Displace Thousands Across Southern Europe

Southern Europe is confronting severe wildfires fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, with countries including Turkey, Spain, France, and Greece heavily affected. Turkey has experienced its hottest July in 55 years, with temperatures reaching 50.5°C, contributing to dozens of fires and at least 14 fatalities. In Spain, multiple wildfires are burning uncontrollably in the León province, with some areas under evacuation orders due to difficult terrain and persistent blazes likely sparked by lightning. France's Aude region saw its largest wildfire in decades, burning over 160 square kilometers and resulting in one death and numerous injuries, while firefighters continue to work to prevent re-ignitions amid ongoing heat waves. Greece has also suffered from fast-moving fires near populated areas, causing fatalities and displacement, and the extreme conditions are attributed to the increasing frequency of such events due to climate change. Emergency response efforts remain extensive, with thousands of firefighters deployed and evacuations ongoing as authorities warn that wildfires will be a persistent threat in the coming weeks.