Forest fires are raging in Spain, France, and Italy, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands as Europe braces for a heatwave expected to reach up to 40°C (104°F). In 2026, wildfires have burned more land in Europe than the annual average over the past two decades, driven by climate change.
Spain has declared a national emergency in the Madrid region and Ávila, mobilizing military emergency forces to combat the fires that led to the evacuation of around 10,000 people. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the urgent need to address the climate crisis.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron activated the EU’s civil protection mechanism, requesting assistance, which includes firefighting resources from several countries. Approximately 12,000 people near Cap Ferret were evacuated as fires damaged about 2,000 hectares.
Meanwhile, in Italy, about 6,000 firefighters are battling persistent flames, particularly in Sicily, with over 160 fires reported in Calabria. Local authorities have also arrested a person for maliciously starting a fire by using a cat.
The situation highlights the increasing severity and frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
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