Wildfires are currently sweeping through popular vacation destinations in Spain, Greece, France, and Portugal. Travelers are advised to ensure their phones are set up to receive emergency alerts as rapid-moving fires force thousands to evacuate their homes in various parts of Europe. Nearly 50,000 acres of land have been scorched across southern Europe, equivalent to the size of Liverpool.
Authorities have prohibited spectators from a section of the Tour de France due to hazardous conditions likened to a “powder keg.” The scorching early summer heatwaves in Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40C, have led to mass evacuations and intense firefighting efforts to combat the fast-spreading blazes.
With temperatures expected to soar further this week, reaching 40C in Europe and over 31C in the UK, concerns are rising about the potential for more wildfires. While the UK has experienced fewer wildfires this year compared to 2025, the recent extreme heatwaves may lead to more intense fires if they occur.
In Playja d-Aro, a popular tourist spot in Costa Brava, approximately 150 individuals, including 70 children from a holiday camp, were evacuated. A man was arrested by Catalan police for allegedly starting a fire while using an angle grinder by the road.
Firefighters in eastern Spain are battling flames in the Sierra de Espadan Natural Park, with over 200 emergency personnel, military support, and aircraft involved. In Catalonia, wildfires have ravaged 2000 hectares of forest, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain indoors.
In the remote French Pyrenees foothills near the Spanish border, 700 firefighters are struggling to contain a wildfire that forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people. The French interior minister noted a significant increase in burned land this season compared to the previous year.
The Pyrenees fire has nearly tripled in size, coming dangerously close to homes. Officials warn that the effects of climate change are evident, emphasizing the need for support in combating the fires.
In Portugal, international reinforcements have been dispatched to the Vouzela area, where firefighters and aircraft are battling a massive fire. In Greece, residents in parts of Thessaloniki are advised to stay indoors due to toxic smoke from a burning recycling plant.
The Foreign Office recommends staying informed about extreme natural events in Greece, including wildfires, by enabling emergency alerts on mobile phones.
