Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle extensive wildfires across Europe, where soaring temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C in some areas. The fires have already devastated more than 17,000 hectares of land spanning France, Spain, and Portugal.
In Spain, a wildfire near the north-eastern Costa Brava coast consumed over 2,200 hectares within two days. Firefighters "worked tirelessly throughout the night to consolidate the perimeter of the La Bisbal d'Empordà forest fire, which is now stabilised," according to a statement from the Catalunya fire service. Catalunya regional government president Salvador Illa reported that a man has been detained in connection with the fire affecting the Gavarres protected natural area between Barcelona and the French border.
In Portugal, emergency services have controlled 80 percent of a wildfire that destroyed about 13,000 hectares of forest in the north. Approximately 115 firefighters, 38 fire engines, and volunteers fought the blaze. Authorities announced the arrest of a 76-year-old man suspected of starting the fire.
These wildfires come after one of Europe's worst heatwaves in June, which resulted in thousands of excess deaths. "Climate change is here, we are living the consequences and it is only the start of July," a source noted.
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