Fires in Europe to reach record levels in 2025
NEWS
Express newspaper
15/08/2025 8:41
Southern Europe is facing an exceptionally hot and destructive summer. Portugal, Greece, Italy and especially Spain, where a third death has been recorded, continue to battle fires in the midst of a long heatwave.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences over the death of a 36-year-old volunteer in the Castilla y León region, stressing that “the threat remains extreme.” Spain is in its twelfth day of a heat alert, with residents and firefighters exhausted.
Eleven fires are classified at level 2 out of 4. The fire in Zamora is causing great concern, while Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has requested the assistance of the European Union with two Canadair aircraft. France responded to the call by sending two specialized aircraft.
More than 10,000 evacuated and 157,000 hectares burned
Since the fires began, over 10,700 people have been evacuated. According to the European EFFIS system, over 157,000 hectares of land have burned in Spain since the beginning of the year and 200 fires have been recorded. In August alone, which is already ranked as the second worst month on record, over 115,000 hectares have burned.
The most affected regions besides Castile and León are Galicia, Valencia and Extremadura. Around 15 roads are closed due to the flames.
Portugal and Greece on alert
In Portugal, around 15 aircraft are battling four major fires in the north and centre of the country. Over 800 firefighters are working in Arganil alone, while the fire in Trancoso has been going on for days.
In Greece, where more than 20,000 hectares have burned since June, the fire that threatened the city of Patras has been brought under control, but scattered fires remain active. More than 600 teams and nearly 30 aircraft are working on several fronts, including the islands of Zakynthos and Chios.
Extreme heat in Italy
Although it has been partially spared from wildfires this summer, Italy is bracing for scorching temperatures. Rome, Venice and 14 other cities are on red alert, with temperatures reaching 39°C in Florence and 38°C in Milan. Despite this, around 12 million vehicles are expected to be on the road for the August 15 holiday.
After the heat, storm in France
France is entering its seventh day of a heatwave, with temperatures still high in the south and east, although the red alert has been lifted for some regions. The country was hit by strong storms last night, while another storm front is expected in the Doubs and Jura regions today. Temperatures are expected to reach 15°C again in the southwest for the weekend of August 40.