“Worst situation since World War II”. Fires are devastating southern Europe. Another heatwave is approaching

Emmanuel Macron speaks of an unprecedented battle against the disaster in France, where fires have already destroyed 42,000 hectares and forced 220,000 people to evacuate. Spain, Greece, Turkey and Portugal are also struggling with wildfires. In total, more than 300,000 people have been evacuated in France and Spain, while three firefighters have died during operations in Greece. Another heatwave could further worsen the situation.

France in flames

In the French department of Gironde, fires have affected around 42,000 hectares. During firefighting operations, 126 firefighters have been injured. Since the beginning of the fire season, four firefighters have died during various operations across France.

In the city of Bordeaux, which the fire approached to within just 15 km on Monday, the smoke is so dense that residents and tourists are advised to wear protective masks due to poor air quality. Wildlife in south-western France is also suffering – some animals have died in the flames, others have lost access to food, water and shelter, and many are being rescued by firefighters and volunteers.

The state railway operator SNCF reported that train traffic south of Bordeaux remains suspended, and passengers should avoid travelling to areas affected by fires at least until 31 July.

The coming weeks will be difficult. We cannot give up – said Macron.

Spanish wildfires – the largest in the history of modern measurements

The situation is stabilising in Spain, where this year’s wildfires have reached an unprecedented scale – for the first time in history, the third and highest level of the national emergency management system has been activated due to the spread of fires. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the fires in Madrid and Ávila, where more than 50,000 hectares have burned, are no longer considered a threat of national significance. However, the fire in the province of Castellón remains active, with its perimeter exceeding 80 km.

Nearly a thousand residents of the municipalities of Ayódar, Villamalur, Almedíjar and Azuébar can return home, while around 7,000 residents of La Vall d’Uixó are still displaced. Unfortunately, many homes have burned down, and families are returning to the ruins.

Greece and Turkey are also battling fires, with their firefighting teams providing assistance for several days to the regions most affected by the disaster in France and Spain. In Portugal, 400 firefighters fought a major fire in the eastern part of the Guarda region. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is coordinating the deployment of firefighting aircraft, equipment and teams to the countries most in need.

What is the situation in Poland?

On Wednesday, Polish firefighters were battling 11 forest fires. The most difficult situation occurred in the west and south-west of the country. A high fire risk is present in the Lower Silesian, Opole and Greater Poland voivodeships, while in most areas of Poland the risk remains moderate.

Heatwaves in Europe are fuelling fires

Meteorologists do not have good news for the countries fighting wildfires. From the middle of the week, another, already the fourth heatwave this year, is moving across the continent – on Wednesday, 38°C was recorded in Bordeaux, while Madrid was only 1°C cooler. By the end of the week, temperatures in France and Spain may reach 40°C. In Poland, IMGW-PIB issued a third-level meteorological warning for the Lubuskie, Greater Poland and Lower Silesian voivodeships, where temperatures of around 36°C are expected.

With average temperatures continuing to rise, seasonal forecasts are not optimistic. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre reported on 29 July that the fire risk is shifting eastwards and in the coming days may affect, among others, Italy and Greece.

Prevention is becoming an increasingly important topic – French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed Minister for Ecological Transition Monique Barbut to present specific measures that will accelerate the implementation of the national climate adaptation plan. As he emphasised, France must prepare more quickly for more challenging climate conditions, including recurring forest fires and heatwaves.