Spain is battling 14 major fires driven by high winds that have killed seven people and burned an area the size of London. Emergency services chief Virginia Barcones warned of "unfavourable conditions" to tackle the blazes as temperatures are forecast to rise over the weekend.
The crisis unfolds during one of Europe's worst wildfire summers in 20 years. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the country faces "extreme risk" of new wildfires, especially in the north and west.
Travel safety warnings
The UK's Foreign Office updated its travel advice, warning of a "high risk" of wildfires during Spain's summer season from April to October. Officials said: "Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months. Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas."
Travellers are advised to check the Spanish Meteorological Office for current wildfire risk information. The warnings come as a nearly two-week heatwave and southerly winds worsen conditions across the region.
Emergency response efforts
Portugal has deployed nearly 4,000 firefighters across multiple fronts while extending its state of alert until Sunday. The wildfires claimed the life of Carlos Dâmaso, a former mayor of Vila Franca do Deão, who died while trying to fight the blaze.
His body was found on Friday after he was reported missing. The tragedy highlights the personal cost of the firefighting efforts across the peninsula.
Widespread European impact
Spain's Civil Guard arrested two men on suspicion of starting fires in Castille and León, bringing total arson arrests to 10 since June. Avincis, Europe's largest emergency aerial services operator, reported a 50% increase in firefighting flight hours compared to last year.
Fires have also devastated areas in France, Bulgaria, Albania and Montenegro in recent days. The crisis comes during the Feast of Assumption, a major Catholic holiday when people typically flock to beaches across Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Weather outlook continues
Forecasters predict the heatwave will continue until Monday, with temperatures reaching up to 44°C in some areas alongside moderate winds. In Greece, a wildfire burned out of control on the tourist island of Chios, prompting village evacuations.
Two planes and two helicopters were deployed to drop water on the north of the Aegean island. The widespread nature of the fires across southern Europe underscores the severity of this year's wildfire season.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Evening Standard", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
