Southern Europe battles unrelenting wildfires amid heatwaves

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.

ROME, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A wave of destructive wildfires has swept across Southern Europe in recent days, driven by scorching temperatures, strong winds, and prolonged drought. Emergency teams remain on high alert as experts warn of worsening climate conditions and rising fire risks.

Portugal is battling major blazes in the north and center. A fire near Valongo in the Portalegre district was contained after burning vast vegetation. Three people, 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 (IPMA) 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 in 24 hours 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 is facing over 260 active fires, most critically in the Strumyani region. 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. Deputy Interior Minister Toni Todorov reported improved conditions but noted ongoing efforts. Two arson suspects were arrested.

Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov blamed human negligence for most fires and warned against careless behavior. Temperatures in southeastern Bulgaria range from 30 to 41 degrees Celsius.

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 Lunca Corbului, fires destroyed trees, vehicles, and farm structures. Drought and heat were key factors.

In southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, wildfires near Trebinje were 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 last year, 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. ■