Europe is at risk of experiencing one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history, as a European Union agency warns that the threat level could rise significantly in the first days of August.
Wildfires have currently been reported in several European countries, including Italy, Portugal, France and Spain. The situation remains most severe in France and Spain.
Të lidhura
None found
Maria Zoubert, director of the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre, ERCC, described the situation as “very difficult,” particularly in France.
According to Sky News, concerns are growing that new fires could break out in Greece, Italy and Central Europe in the coming days. The alarm has intensified as the flames continue to spread in several countries across the continent, while the deaths of two firefighters in a blaze in Rethymno, Greece, have drawn international attention.
Zoubert warned that the crisis could escalate across the continent in early August if the fires currently burning in Portugal and Spain are not brought under control.
According to her, 2026 could become the worst wildfire season Europe has ever experienced, surpassing even the record set last year. Heavy rainfall during the winter and spring fueled vegetation growth, which was then dried out by high summer temperatures, creating significant amounts of combustible material.
Meanwhile, in southwestern Turkey, a major fire near a tourist destination prompted authorities to temporarily suspend traffic on the highway connecting Fethiye and Antalya.
The blaze began in a rural area of Mugla province before spreading to a forested area, putting surrounding communities at risk.
