Wildfires engulf Spain and Portugal, Greece raises alarm over toxic smoke from flames

Wildfire hotspots in Southern Europe have continued to expand their perimeter, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes, while French authorities have decided to ban public attendance on one stage of the Tour de France cycling race.

In Portugal, Spain, France and Greece, hundreds of firefighters have been engaged in the battle against the flames, which so far have destroyed more than 190 square kilometers of land. This situation is unfolding at a time when meteorologists are forecasting another rise in temperatures, up to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas still suffering the effects of the record heatwave of recent weeks.

Near the city of Perpignan, in southwestern France, around 700 firefighters, assisted by specialized aircraft, are working to contain a fire described as “giant,” which is advancing rapidly across terrain that is difficult to access. According to local authorities, helped by strong winds, high temperatures and exceptionally dry air, the flames have almost tripled the affected area since Sunday morning, burning 46 square kilometers and injuring one firefighter and one resident.

“The fire came within 300 meters of the houses. We were shaken by how quickly it spread; it was terrifying, panic took over,” said local resident Paco Paez.

In Spain, near the northeastern coastline of Costa Brava, a fire has consumed more than 2,200 hectares in just two days. Firefighters have warned that the response will be made even more difficult by rising temperatures and the presence of many hotspots still active within the fire perimeter. Meanwhile, in Portugal, emergency authorities said that about 80% of a fire that has destroyed nearly 13,000 hectares of forest and scrubland in the north of the country has been brought under control.

In Greece, a forest fire near Thessaloniki engulfed two factories over the weekend, forcing authorities to evacuate the surrounding area. Because of the dense smoke and hazardous substances released by the burning industrial facilities, residents have been asked to keep their windows closed, while authorities warned that the smoke coming from the flames is toxic.