Wildfires Overwhelm Western Europe as Heatwave Risk Grows
Firefighters across Western Europe are stretched to their limits. Massive blazes continue to burn in Spain, France and Portugal. Authorities have battled these fires for weeks. They are still fighting them today.
Another possible heatwave could hit Europe in the coming weeks. This raises the threat of even more wildfires. Maria Zuber, head of the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, issued a clear warning. Neighbouring countries must stay alert.
“The next risk is already moving to Greece and also Central Europe,” Zuber told reporters on Wednesday.
Crisis Could Spread Across the Continent
The EU has already deployed firefighting aircraft and ground crews. These teams support overloaded local authorities. However, Zuber warned that the crisis could easily expand further.
“Now we see that it will go to Greece. Italy will face risk at the beginning of August. We will also need to watch the Iberian Peninsula. If fires hit there again, we will have all Europe on fire,” she said.
Meanwhile, Greek media reported tragic news. At least two firefighters died while battling wildfires on the island of Crete. Fires have also broken out on Lesbos and in the Peloponnese.
Last year, unprecedented blazes destroyed more than one million hectares of land across Europe. This year looks just as severe. “We have the potential that this is another record,” Zuber added.
Heat Reaches Britain Too
The extreme heat is spreading far beyond southern Europe. Even the UK is feeling the pressure this summer.
Around 70 firefighters rushed to fight a major forest fire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. Officials quickly declared a major incident at the nature reserve.
Temperatures continue to break records. Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen highlighted how unusual 2026 has become.
“A temperature of 35°C today will be the seventh day of 2026 when the UK has recorded 35°C or higher,” he said. “Prior to this year, the record was five days of 35°C or above in a single year. That record was set in 1976.”
Europe remains on high alert as the fire season intensifies.