Extreme heat fuels 1,339 wildfires across EU

Europe has endured more destructive wildfires this year compared to the same period in 2024, driven by extreme heat and prolonged drought.

BRUSSELS, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Europe has endured more destructive wildfires this year compared to the same period in 2024, driven by extreme heat and prolonged drought.

Data from the European Forest Fires Information System (EFFIS), updated Tuesday, shows that about 1,339 wildfires have been recorded in 2025 so far, up from 861 over the same period last year. The estimated carbon dioxide emissions from these fires have reached 9.66 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, approximately 292,855 hectares of land have burned across the EU as of Tuesday, well above the average of 162,994 hectares recorded for this time of year over the past 19 years.

In recent days, scorching temperatures, strong winds, and prolonged drought have kept emergency teams on high alert, with experts warning that worsening climate conditions are heightening fire risks across the continent, especially in the southern region by the Mediterranean Sea.

In Spain, firefighters are battling a rapidly spreading wildfire in the province of Avila, northwest of Madrid. The fire broke out shortly before midnight on Monday near the municipality of Cuevas del Valle and prompted the evacuation of 50 residents.

The Avila blaze is among several major blazes currently affecting Spain. On Monday, another fire near Puertollano in central Spain disrupted high-speed rail service between Madrid and Andalusia after burning roughly 180 hectares. Meanwhile, on the island of Tenerife, about 70 residents were evacuated from Santiago del Teide as flames consumed 60 hectares of hillside.

In Portugal, major blazes are affecting the northern and central areas. A fire near Valongo in the Portalegre district was contained after burning vast vegetation. Three individuals, including two firefighters, were hospitalized from exhaustion.

In Peneda-Geres National Park, a fire in Ponte da Barca remains active. Strong winds and rugged terrain hinder operations, with over 230 personnel, dozens of vehicles, and helicopters from Spain deployed.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere has issued maximum fire danger alerts for most northern and central municipalities, with yellow weather warnings across mainland Portugal and Madeira. Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to persist.

In Greece, over 50 wildfires broke out last week, affecting Attica, Evia, the Peloponnese, Kythera, and Crete. Thousands evacuated as homes and farmland were threatened. The European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism was activated, bringing support from Italy and the Czech Republic. Six firefighters were injured, and several engines were damaged.

In Kythera, land and sea evacuations were carried out. Temperatures neared 46 degrees Celsius, with low humidity and high winds accelerating the fires. Authorities linked the worsening fire season to climate change and urged the public to avoid fire-triggering activities.

Italy continues to fight wildfires, especially in Sicily, where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. Fires between Trapani and Palermo destroyed homes and forced evacuations. In Partinico, seven blazes caused serious damage. Fires continue in Catania and eastern Sicily. A firefighter was hospitalized due to smoke.

Bulgaria has also reported over 260 active fires. Assistance arrived through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with planes from France, Slovakia, and Hungary, and more are expected from Sweden and the Czech Republic. Temperatures in southeastern Bulgaria range from 30 to 41 degrees Celsius.

Two arson suspects were arrested. Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov blamed human negligence for most fires and warned against careless behavior.

Romania sent a Black Hawk helicopter to Bulgaria on Monday -- its first foreign mission -- to assist in firefighting operations there. And domestically, it battled fires in Prahova and Arges. Near Ploiesti, 50 hectares burned, threatening a paint factory.

In southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, wildfires near Trebinje were finally brought under control after three weeks. Helicopters dropped 650,000 liters of water. Rainfall has now stabilized conditions.

Croatia reported 501 more wildfires than in 2024, though the total burned area halved thanks to fast responses. Fire Chief Slavko Tucakovic noted fires are increasingly found in industrial zones, with 24 to 30 new ones daily.

Climatologist Marcello Miglietta of Italy's Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate warned that without long-term action, the Mediterranean will remain highly vulnerable to seasonal fire disasters.

Fortunately, according to the latest Fire Weather Index (FWI) anomaly map, a numerical EFFIS forecasting tool, fire weather conditions will improve across much of Europe. The EFFIS forecasted Tuesday that risk levels are expected to decline in southern Italy, the Balkans, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, though isolated pockets in these areas may still face extreme or very extreme conditions.