Wildfires Sweep Across Europe Amid Extreme Heat Wave

Firefighters in several European countries are contending with a series of wildfires intensified by an intense heat wave. In France, a fast-moving blaze in the Landes region forced more than 500 residents of Luglon to evacuate, while other fires burned forests in the north and Brittany. Temperatures in parts of the country approached 41 °C on Thursday and were expected to remain high on Friday, according to the national weather service.

In Germany, the village of Gey in North Rhine-Westphalia was evacuated after a fire in the Hürtgen forest threatened the settlement. Nearly 300 hectares burned, and unexploded World War II ordnance complicated firefighting efforts, prompting the use of army tanks and helicopters.

The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day of the year, with west London reaching 38.1 °C, as wildfires spread across the West Midlands, destroying several houses. Chief fire officer Simon Tuhill described the incident as “one of the most significant” the regional fire service has faced.

In Croatia, a fire near the coastal town of Omis forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people and left 14 individuals hospitalized, seven in serious condition. Strong winds accelerated the blaze, which also damaged power infrastructure and burned vehicles.

Albania reported 11 active fires, the largest near Gure-Lure, where authorities have contained the perimeter to protect nearby homes. Three individuals have been prosecuted for alleged negligence related to a fire in Lura National Park. In northern Greece, over 300 people were evacuated by sea after a pine-forest fire threatened seaside residences.

Across the affected regions, fire crews are employing ground teams, aircraft and, in Germany, military assets to contain the flames, while authorities continue to monitor weather conditions that could influence fire behavior.