Southern Europe is battling catastrophic wildfires fueled by record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), forcing mass evacuations across multiple countries. At least three people have died as the heatwave creates what scientists describe as a ‘molotov cocktail’ of conditions, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure threatened across Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and the Balkans.
Wildfires have erupted simultaneously across the Mediterranean region, with Spain evacuating nearly 6,000 people from northern, central and southern regions. In Greece, over 150 active fires have prompted mass evacuations on tourist islands Zakynthos and Chios, while Turkey closed the strategic Dardanelles Strait to maritime traffic to enable firefighting aircraft operations. Neighboring countries including Croatia, Albania and Montenegro are also battling major blazes.
The crisis coincides with extreme heat warnings in 10+ countries, with temperatures forecast to reach 44°C (111°F) in Spain’s Andalusia and Portugal’s southern regions. Red alerts are active across Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and the Balkans, marking the second major heatwave in weeks. Scientists confirm climate change is intensifying Mediterranean fire seasons through hotter, drier conditions.
Human impact is severe: A Spanish equestrian worker died from burns near Madrid, a Montenegrin soldier perished fighting fires near Podgorica, and a 4-year-old boy succumbed to heatstroke in Sardinia. Over 1,300 Portuguese firefighters and nearly 5,000 Greek emergency workers are deployed, with Spain mobilizing 1,000 soldiers. Tourism is severely disrupted during peak season, with coastal evacuations trapping beachgoers.
Critical infrastructure faces unprecedented strain. Beyond the Dardanes closure, Spain’s UNESCO-listed Las Médulas ancient mines are threatened, while smoke has choked Madrid, forcing 180 evacuations. Health services report surging heatstroke cases, with France’s Health Minister warning hospitals are at capacity.
Firefighting resources are stretched thin internationally. Portugal accepted air support from Morocco after equipment failures, while Greece formally requested EU firefighting reinforcements. The UK—experiencing its fourth heatwave—sent crews to London grass fires as temperatures hit 33°C.
Meteorologists warn the heatwave will persist for at least another week with no significant rainfall. Authorities urge immediate evacuation compliance and fire prevention measures. Climate scientists stress these events will intensify without aggressive carbon reduction, as Mediterranean regions face irreversible ecological damage.