PARIS — Wildfires driven by extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds forced thousands of people to evacuate across Europe this week, with major blazes reported in Croatia, France, Greece, Germany, Spain and Britain as firefighters struggled to contain fires during the peak summer season.
In Croatia, a fast-moving wildfire near the coastal town of Omiš forced about 1,000 to 1,200 people to leave their homes and tourist accommodation, according to authorities and Reuters reporting. At least one person died and dozens were injured, with several requiring hospital treatment. Fire crews had brought the main blaze under control by Friday, while aircraft and firefighters were redirected to another fire on the Pelješac peninsula.
Greece also faced evacuations as fires spread near tourist areas in the northern Halkidiki region. More than 300 people were evacuated from the beach town of Siviri by boat as flames approached through forested areas, according to local reports. Greek authorities have repeatedly warned of heightened fire danger amid strong winds and prolonged hot, dry weather.
In southwestern France, authorities evacuated 525 residents from Luglon in the Landes department after a wildfire consumed about 1,100 hectares and approached the village, Reuters reported. Some 500 firefighters and six aircraft were deployed, while roads were closed around the affected area. The fire followed a much larger blaze near Arcachon Bay in July that prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
Germany evacuated about 1,800 residents as a wildfire spread near the Belgian border, with unexploded Second World War-era ordnance complicating firefighting operations. Spain was also battling major fires, including in Huelva, where a blaze had burned about 31,000 hectares and prompted the evacuation of around 700 people, according to Reuters.
Britain recorded record wildfire activity for a second consecutive year, with fires damaging homes and prompting evacuations in parts of England. Fire chiefs said emergency services were under significant pressure as temperatures reached 38.1°C in London on Aug. 13, one of the country's hottest days on record.
The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service has warned of very extreme wildfire conditions across parts of central and eastern Europe. Scientists say prolonged heat and drought are increasing fire risk, while Europe has experienced unusually high temperatures this summer.
Authorities across affected countries continued firefighting operations and evacuation measures on Friday and Saturday, with conditions remaining closely monitored as crews worked to contain active fires.
