Fires Engulf Europe, Leaving Three Dead: Two in Greece and One Soldier in Spain

Several European countries continue to battle wildfires. In Belgium, rainfall has helped efforts to tackle the blazes, while in Greece, the flames that claimed two lives have been brought under control.

The largest documented fire in Belgium’s modern history has burned approximately 3,000 hectares in High Fens park, near the German border. Around 500 firefighters and soldiers have been involved in the operation, while Germany has provided support with two military helicopters. German authorities have also evacuated residents from two streets in the border area.

On the Greek island of Salamis, near Athens, the two fires have largely been extinguished. The flames, fanned by strong winds, spread within just seven minutes. Two people lost their lives, while around 600 others were evacuated by boat.

In France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faced protests during a visit to the village of Le Porge, where a fire destroyed 183 homes last month. Meanwhile, 250 people evacuated in the Landes region have been allowed to return to their homes.

In Spain’s Aragon region, a soldier lost his life while taking part in an operation to extinguish a major fire. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated, and the flames have also threatened a thousand-year-old monastery.

Portugal is battling several wildfires near the border with Spain. Five firefighters suffered minor injuries after the vehicle they were traveling in was engulfed by flames.