Deadly Heatwaves and Wildfires Sweep Southern Europe

Southern Europe is facing a brutal combination of record-breaking heat and destructive wildfires, with temperatures soaring above 44°C in parts of Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The deadly heatwave has claimed lives, triggered mass evacuations, and destroyed entire communities across the Mediterranean.

Red alerts for extreme heat have been issued in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the Balkans. Scientists warn that hotter, drier summers—driven by global warming—are becoming entrenched, increasing both the frequency and intensity of wildfires.

Multiple fatalities and mass evacuations

At least four people have died in recent days due to heat-related causes and fires. In Spain, a man working at a horse stable near Madrid succumbed to burns, while another seasonal worker in Lleida collapsed while harvesting fruit. Albania reported a fatality linked to a suspected accidental fire, and in Montenegro, a soldier died when a water truck overturned during firefighting operations.

Albania in a state of emergency

Albania has been battling wildfires for over ten days, with 30 blazes still active. Entire villages, including Kullolas and Bletez, have been destroyed, forcing emergency evacuations. The situation is critical near the town of Delvinë, where flames have threatened a local hospital and nearby gas facilities. Authorities dismantled the hospital’s oxygen supply system to prevent explosions and relocated all patients.

The fires have also reached the “Blue Eye” natural park, destroying centuries-old forests. A Greek minority municipality has requested an official state of emergency to cope with the disaster.

Spain, Portugal, Montenegro under strain

In Spain, almost 6,000 people have been evacuated, including from tourist areas in Andalusia. More than 1,200 firefighters are battling 32 active blazes. In the north, Portugal is fighting three major wildfires with over 1,300 personnel, backed by Moroccan assistance after local aircraft suffered technical failures.

Montenegro, supported by helicopters from Serbia and Croatia, has managed to contain fires near the capital, Podgorica, though smoke still blankets the city.

Heat-related deaths and record alerts

Italy has reported two child deaths from heatstroke, while France remains on high alert with temperatures above 40°C in the south. In Greece, over 150 fires are burning simultaneously, with evacuations underway in Zakynthos, Achaia, and Chios. Even the UK is experiencing its fourth heatwave this year, with park fires reported in London.

A growing climate crisis

With hotter, drier, and windier summers predicted to become the Mediterranean’s “new normal,” authorities across Southern Europe are bracing for longer, more dangerous wildfire seasons.