Wildfires spread across southern Europe amid regional escalation
Major wildfires in Portugal, Spain, and Greece prompt cross-border firefighting reinforcements across southern Europe.
Event / Disaster
Europe Summer Heat and Wildfires 2026
Extreme heat wave and wildfires across Europe including France and Spain with record temperatures, multiple fatalities, and widespread emergency response measures.
10 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jul, 21:23 UTC
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What happened
Man arrested for starting Thessaloniki wildfire through vehicle negligence
A 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting the recycling plant wildfire near Thessaloniki through negligence by generating sparks with his vehicle that ignited vegetation near the road. He was scheduled to appear before a prosecutor.
Wildfire erupts west of Athens, deploying 155 firefighters and aerial resources
A major wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon west of Athens in the Mandra area, burning through pine forest. The fire department deployed 155 firefighters backed by volunteers and specialized teams, along with 16 water-dropping planes and six helicopters.
Wildfire in northeastern Spain's Girona region burns 2,200 hectares
A wildfire burning since Friday in the northeastern Girona region of Spain had burned nearly 2,200 hectares (5,400 acres) by Sunday. The blaze had a perimeter of 40 kilometers, and fire service officials indicated firefighters might not bring it under control on Sunday.
Major wildfire in central Portugal burns 12,000 hectares over three days
A massive wildfire broke out Thursday in central Portugal's Vouzela area and burned across 12,000 hectares (120 square kilometers) by Sunday. More than 1,200 firefighters backed by nearly 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze.
Greece deploys four satellites into orbit to monitor wildfires
Greece has launched an array of four satellites into low orbit in May to monitor for wildfires as part of its efforts to combat fires exacerbated by climate change.
Greek fire department reports 85% of wildfires caused by negligence
A fire department spokesman stated that approximately 85% of wildfires in Greece are caused by negligence, including sparks from agricultural machinery, discarded cigarettes, and outdoor barbecues. He noted that most of these fires could have been avoided.
Spain and Italy send firefighting reinforcements to Portugal
Spain sent 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles as reinforcements to Portugal on Friday to assist with the major wildfire. Additionally, three firefighting aircraft from Italy and Spain were dispatched to help combat the blaze.
Recycling plant fire engulfs Thessaloniki suburb, toxic smoke forces evacuations
A fast-moving wildfire at a recycling plant broke out Saturday evening near Oraiokastro suburb of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. The fire triggered evacuation alerts for three suburbs and a facility housing 157 people with special needs. Around 160 firefighters battled the flames overnight until water-dropping aircraft could deploy at dawn. Several businesses and homes were damaged.
June 2026 sets temperature records in France
Average temperatures in France reached record levels during June 2026, including the warmest nights ever recorded on the territory. The exceptional heat wave that struck the country and Europe in late June caused a 29.1% increase in deaths nationally, with 62% increase in deaths in the Paris region during the week of June 22.
Forest fire near karting circuit in Gard affects 600 people
A wildfire broke out near a karting circuit in Ledenon, Gard on Sunday afternoon, spreading across more than 150 hectares. Approximately 600 people participating in a competition at the circuit were evacuated. Firefighters were actively combating the blaze.
Wildfire in Drôme spreads across 300 hectares over three days
A wildfire in an uninhabited area of Drôme had burned 300 hectares across difficult and steeply sloped terrain over three days. More than 300 firefighters continued fighting the blaze on challenging geography.
Météo-France places 16 French departments on orange heat alert
Météo-France placed 16 departments in southern and western France on orange heat alert starting Monday, July 6, 2026. Seven departments were already on alert Sunday (Ardèche, Aude, Drôme, Gard, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales, Vaucluse), with nine additional departments added for Monday (Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée).
Temperature records expected in southern and southwestern France
Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach 36-39°C across southwestern France on Monday, with peaks up to 40°C in the Languedoc-Roussillon interior. Temperatures of 33-36°C are expected in the southern half extending to Val-de-Loire, southern Brittany, and Île-de-France. Night temperatures in Mediterranean regions have already reached 21-27°C.
Major wildfire spreads across 1,500 hectares in Pyrénées-Orientales
A wildfire declared Saturday evening in Pyrénées-Orientales near Mont Canigou had spread across 1,500 hectares by Sunday afternoon. The fire was fueled by wind, exceptional drought conditions, and extreme heat. A total of 700 firefighters, 200 ground vehicles, and approximately 10 aerial means were deployed to combat the flames.
High and very high wildfire risk alerts issued for 25 departments
Météo-France issued wildfire risk alerts for Monday across southern and western France: 25 departments at elevated risk, with Gard, Vaucluse, and Drôme at very high risk of forest fires due to continued hot, dry conditions.
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