Deadly wildfires continued to spread across parts of southern Europe on Thursday, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate as extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds fuelled fast-moving blazes in France, Italy and Spain.
Read More: Wildfires spread as heat scorches Southern Europe
At least three firefighters have died battling the fires, which have scorched large areas of land during one of Europe’s most intense wildfire seasons in recent years. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the amount of land burned across European Union countries this year is already the second highest on record.
In southwestern France, more than 20,000 people, most of them tourists staying in campsites and holiday accommodations near Bordeaux, were evacuated after a wildfire swept through a coastal pine forest. Firefighters managed to contain part of the blaze, but authorities remained on high alert as helicopters continued water-dropping operations. Officials are investigating the cause of the fire, with early reports suggesting it may have been sparked by a brush-clearing machine.
Italy also faced widespread wildfires, particularly on the island of Sicily, where around 6,000 firefighters, forest guards and civil protection personnel were deployed to battle dozens of active blazes. One firefighter died after becoming ill while responding to the emergency. Authorities said more than 160 fires were also recorded in the Calabria region, where officials are investigating suspected cases of arson.
In Spain, emergency crews made progress in containing a major wildfire near Toledo, south of Madrid, allowing many evacuated residents to return home after the flames were brought under greater control.
Read More: Spain wildfire turns escape routes deadly
Experts said prolonged heatwaves, temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and exceptionally dry soil have created ideal conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly. Climate scientists also warned that rising global temperatures linked to climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and wildfires across Europe, making such disasters more difficult to prevent and contain in the years ahead.