Wildfires have morphed from a rare weather event to a devastatingly frequent occurrence in Europe over the last few years, and after record-breaking heatwaves were experienced throughout June, swathes of the continent are now facing fast-spreading blazes.
From Spain and Portugal to Greece and France, here’s a closer look at the towns and cities affected and whether it’s safe to travel there right now, ahead of yet more extreme heat warnings.
Recommended: ‘Flesh-rotting’ bacteria and water shortages: The heatwave’s impact on Europe’s beaches.
Where are the wildfires in Europe?
France
An area equal to around 6,500 football pitches has been scorched in the foothills of the French Pyrenees so far, and Sky News reports 10,000 people from towns and villages near the city of Perpignan and the Spanish border have been evacuated.
Spectators have also been banned from watching a section of the Tour de France stage three due to fire burning in Trevillach, with organisers saying that ‘the top priority remains the protection of people, property and natural areas, as well as bringing the fire under control.’
Greece
Residents in Thessaloniki have been warned to stay indoors and keep their windows closed due to fumes from a nearby recycling plant that has been engulfed by fire, and hundreds of people have also been evacuated.
In Mandra, a small city in West Attica, more than 200 firefighters and 30 water-dropping aircraft have been fighting a pine forest blaze with the help of volunteers.
Portugal
Over 1,200 firefighters, 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft have been trying to control a blaze in Vouzela in central Portugal since Thursday July 2. According to the EU’s Copernicus satellite, a 12,000 hectare area was scorched in three days.
Spain
In the northeastern region of Girona, an area of nearly 2,200 hectares has been destroyed by a fire burning since Friday July 3.
Map of wildfires in Europe
Below is a map detailing all areas affected by the wildfires, which are raging across southern Europe right now, including in France, Portugal, Spain and Greece.
What caused the wildfires in Europe?
It won’t shock you to learn that, after last month’s exceptionally high temperatures, much of Europe’s land has been described as ‘tinder dry’, putting huge portions of the region at high risk of rapid wildfire spread.
While the majority of wildfires are started by human neglect – such as improperly disposed of barbeques or discarded cigarettes – it’s the heat that has scorched the land and created conditions for blazes. More broadly, scientists who spoke to Sky News have acknowledged that June’s heatwave – which broke several records – would have been ‘virtually impossible’ without the human-induced climate emergency.
Worryingly, forecasters have warned of high temperatures to continue this week. Athens is facing wildfire threats, and Seville and Bordeaux are both set to experience temperatures of 40C plus, as well as areas across Italy, Portugal, and Greece.
Is it safe to travel?
No injuries have been reported, but if you’re headed to one of the affected countries, keep an eye on local news for any updates about wildfires, as all are still at risk.
Fire safety resources
Depending on where you’re heading, there’s a fire alert map for France, more information from the meteorological office in Spain, an Emergency Communications Service from the Greek government and a fire risk index page for Portugal, all available on the FCDO’s travel advice website.
What are my rights if I cancel my trip?
Under certain circumstances, such as travel advice from the Foreign Office, a fire within a particular radius of your accommodation, or cancellation of flights or transport as a direct result of a fire, you could be entitled to your money back.
If this happens, contact your travel provider first, before involving your insurers. Their willingness to cover the cost will depend on your policy. Also, choosing to cancel your trip out of caution, where there is no explicit advice against travelling, will make claiming money back unlikely.
Extreme heat in Europe
Europe has already been scorched by extreme heat this summer, with record-breaking temperatures being reached in a smattering of countries. According to the BBC, they include: Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Slovenia, Luxembourg, UK, Denmark, and Lithuania.
For all the latest information on weather events in Europe and whether it’s safe to travel, keep an eye on our travel news page.
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