Wildfires are sweeping through southern France and Spain following a brutal heat wave that has dried out the land, turning forests into kindling. Over 1,000 firefighters are currently tackling a blaze near Narbonne, France, where nearly 5,000 acres have been scorched, injuring five people and five firefighters.
In Spain, the Catalonia region is under emergency measures, with fires consuming almost 6,000 acres since Monday, forcing residents in multiple towns to stay indoors. Firefighters are struggling against fierce winds of up to 55 mph, complicating their efforts.
Experts highlight a combination of soaring temperatures, severe drought, and highly flammable vegetation, particularly eucalyptus trees, fueling this crisis in Southern Europe. As the region is still cooling from last week's extreme heat, the winds have been fanning the fires rapidly.
Weather warnings for dangerously high temperatures have also been issued across Europe, with Romania forecasting up to 105.8°F and Serbia encountering serious conditions near 100.4°F. Meanwhile, in Greece, temperatures recently exceeded 104°F, prompting the government to limit access to the Acropolis and mandate breaks during peak hours for on-ground workers.
