Wildfires are continuing to spread across parts of France and Greece, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes and causing holidaymakers to abandon campsites. The blazes come amid a summer of record-breaking heatwaves across Europe, which have left vegetation tinder-dry and primed to burn.
In France's Provence region, 1,300 firefighters were deployed to combat a wildfire that continued to spread, consuming approximately 4,500 hectares by the end of the week. While some residents have been able to return home, around 2,500 people remained unable to access their properties. The impact on tourism has been significant, with campsites in the south-west of France now deserted. One campsite manager near Biscarrosse reported that his site, usually fully booked, is now empty after a recent evacuation of 1,200 people in just 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in Greece, hundreds of firefighters battled wind-fueled fires near Porto Germeno on the Gulf of Corinth, northwest of Athens. Strong winds, with gusts exceeding 73 kph (45 mph), have made the fires unpredictable and difficult to contain. "The situation is extremely hard, especially today," said Giorgos Doulas, a doctor and firefighter. "We have really strong winds... The direction of the fire can’t be determined easily."
Earlier, more than 200 people were evacuated by sea from the town of Agios Vasileios in Viotia, central Greece, after a fire spread rapidly due to strong winds. Approximately 500 people, primarily tourists, were initially stranded. Residents had previously been advised by authorities to move inland before the fire reached the town's outskirts.
These incidents follow a pattern of extreme weather events across Europe. In Italy, nearly all major cities were placed on the highest heat alert as temperatures were predicted to reach the mid-30s Celsius. Britain also experienced significant wildfires, including one in Suffolk that burned 371 acres near the Sizewell B nuclear power station.