Flames sweep Southern Europe, major fires in France, Spain and Portugal burn thousands of hectares

Southern France, Spain and Portugal have been hit by powerful wildfires that have scorched tens of thousands of hectares of land, while high temperatures, drought and strong winds are making firefighters’ work extremely difficult.

The situation has worsened significantly after the heatwaves that have affected Southern Europe in recent weeks.

In the Eastern Pyrenees region in southern France, a fire burning since Saturday evening has consumed around 13,500 hectares of land. The blaze began in a mountainous area near Mount Canigou, where intervention is difficult because of the terrain. Around 700 firefighters have been involved in the operation, with support from planes and helicopters.

Authorities in France say the situation is being aggravated by northwesterly winds and temperatures that in some areas are expected to rise to as high as 40°C. Residents of the area were evacuated during the night, while several families were sheltered in safe locations after leaving their homes.

In Spain, near the tourist area of the Costa Brava, a fire has burned around 22,000 hectares. Although the flames have been brought under control, authorities stress that the day remains problematic because of high temperatures and the presence of many pockets of smoke. In some communities near the Girona area, movement restrictions have been lifted and residents have been allowed to return home.

Wildfires have also been recorded in Portugal, as part of an early and difficult fire season affecting the region.

According to French authorities, most fires during this period are linked to human activity, while their spread has been fueled by drought and extreme temperatures. France’s interior minister has expressed concern that this year the fire season has started earlier than usual.