An extreme heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius has forced thousands to evacuate across Europe. Record-breaking heat has fueled fierce wildfires, leading to significant economic and social impacts. The situation has become particularly dire in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Montenegro, where emergency crews are working tirelessly to combat the flames and protect both people and critical infrastructure.
Footage captured by RT shows firefighting operations in various parts of the continent. In Spain and Italy, emergency crews have deployed water-dropping aircraft and fire engines to safeguard towns and historic sites. Meanwhile, in Montenegro, military and firefighting units are working in the hills north of Podgorica to contain the raging fires. Videos from Greece show crews striving to shield residential areas and the countryside from advancing flames.
Wildfires have also been reported in Portugal, Croatia, Turkey, Albania, and the UK. Record-breaking temperatures have been registered in France, Croatia, and Portugal, with heat levels continuing to rise across southern and central Europe. Greece and Spain have been the hardest hit by these fires, with over 100 wildfires erupting within 48 hours in Greece and more than 39,000 hectares burned in Spain.
In Greece, the situation has been particularly severe, with mass evacuations in regions such as Achaia, where 7,500 residents were relocated. Nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been deployed to contain the blazes, which have caused injuries and significant property damage. In Spain, over 5,000 people have been evacuated due to the extensive fires burning in the Castile and Leon regions.
The fires have resulted in several fatalities, including a volunteer firefighter near Nogarejas and a man in the Madrid suburb of Tres Cantos. Authorities in both countries continue to urge vigilance as the wildfire threat remains severe. The ongoing crisis has not only impacted public health and safety but also highlighted the vulnerabilities of the region’s energy systems and agricultural sectors, underscoring the urgent need for long-term climate resilience strategies.