A wildfire near Fréjus on the Mediterranean coast of France prompted evacuations of multiple towns on Sunday, as the flames threatened homes, according to local authorities. The rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by strong winds and severe drought conditions.
Local prefect Simon Babre stated to BFM TV, “The fire has spread extremely quickly amidst this heatwave and extreme drought.” By Sunday night, approximately 180 hectares had been consumed by the flames.
Dramatic images captured the massive flames advancing behind the typical hillside villas of the Côte d’Azur, as thick columns of black smoke rose above the pine and cypress forests. Train services between the Mediterranean port of Toulon and Les Arcs were suspended due to the wildfire.
Spain Faces Its Own Wildfire Challenges
Meanwhile, in other parts of Europe, Spain’s meteorological agency (AEMET) warned that temperatures are set to rise again over the weekend, with highs reaching 42–44°C in some areas of Andalusia and La Mancha next week.
Meteorologists have also cautioned of an extreme wildfire risk as hot, dry air from North Africa moves across much of the country. Firefighters are battling wildfires near Madrid and in the province of Guadalajara, where approximately 1,500 hectares have burned, leading to the precautionary evacuation of a summer camp.
Last week, one of the worst wildfires in Spain’s history resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, mostly foreign nationals, in the province of Almería in the southern part of the country.
Extreme Fire Risk in Athens
In the metropolitan area of Athens, Greek authorities have declared a maximum alert due to the wildfire risk. Drones equipped with thermal cameras have been patrolling the forests, and water cannons have been positioned near campsites.
The World Meteorological Organization warned last month that record temperatures affecting Western Europe for over a week at the end of June would amplify the wildfire risk, with forecasts indicating persistently high temperatures, very low humidity, and dry vegetation.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization cautioned that Europe might face “more deadly weeks” due to new heatwaves forming over the Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers monitoring so-called “excess deaths” reported thousands of more fatalities than usual during the heatwave that swept across Europe and the UK at the end of June.
