MADRID – Southern Europe is grappling with deadly wildfires and record-breaking temperatures as a severe heatwave sweeps across the continent. In Spain, a man has died from burns and thousands have been forced to flee their homes, while other nations face extreme heat alerts and mounting damage to agriculture.
Fatal Blaze in Madrid Suburb
Officials confirmed that a man who suffered severe burns during a fast-moving wildfire in Tres Cantos — a wealthy suburb north of Madrid — died in hospital. The blaze, driven by winds reaching 70 km/h, advanced six kilometres in just 40 minutes before being contained.
He is the first confirmed fatality from the dozens of wildfires that have erupted in Spain since the heatwave began last week. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged the public to exercise extreme caution, warning of an “extreme risk of forest fires” across the country.
Hundreds of residents evacuated Tres Cantos overnight. In southern Spain’s Andalusia region, about 2,000 people were evacuated from hotels and homes near Tarifa’s popular beaches. “We managed to save the residential area at the very last second,” said Antonio Sanz, Andalusia’s interior minister.
A Civil Guard officer was injured after being struck by a car while assisting with the evacuations.
Multiple Fires Across Spain
In the northwestern Castile and León region, more than 30 fires were reported, including one threatening Las Médulas, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient Roman gold mines.
Forecasters warned that Tuesday would bring the heatwave’s peak, with many areas set to exceed 40°C and overnight temperatures staying above 25°C.
Portugal Calls for International Help
Neighbouring Portugal is battling three large wildfires, including a major blaze near Trancoso in the country’s centre. More than 700 firefighters and four aircraft have been deployed. With southern temperatures expected to reach 44°C, Morocco has sent two Canadair water bombers after two Portuguese firefighting planes broke down.
Climate Experts Warn of Intensifying Heatwaves
Scientists attribute the severity and frequency of such heatwaves to global warming, which is making summers longer, hotter, and drier across the Mediterranean.
France Sees Record Temperatures and Work Bans
Southern France has also recorded its highest-ever temperatures at several weather stations. Three-quarters of the country is under heat alerts, with Paris expecting 36°C and the Rhône Valley projected to hit 40°C.
Authorities in the Rhône department have banned outdoor public events and suspended construction work from midday to 10pm to protect workers. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said hospitals were preparing for increased admissions as this is France’s second major heatwave in just weeks.
Météo-France has warned that the hot spell could last up to 14 days, making it one of the most prolonged heatwaves in recent history.
Italy on Red Alert
In Italy, 11 major cities — including Rome, Milan and Florence — are under red alert. The country’s main farm lobby, Coldiretti, reported that vegetable yields in Apulia have fallen by 30% due to the combined effects of scorching heat and drought.
A wildfire near Mount Vesuvius burned nearly 600 hectares over four days before being brought under control.
UK Faces Water Shortfall
In England, the Environment Agency has declared a nationally significant water shortfall after the driest first half of the year since 1976.
As the European heatwave intensifies, authorities across the continent are warning of a dangerous combination of wildfires, extreme temperatures, and drought — a triple threat that climate scientists say will become increasingly common in the years ahead.
