Southern Europe is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis amid an ongoing heatwave, with Spain, Portugal, Albania, and Turkey among the hardest hit.
In Spain, the situation remains dire. Authorities report three deaths directly from the fires, while more than 1,500 fatalities have been linked to the prolonged heatwave. Eleven major fires, classified as level 2 on a four-tier scale, are causing particular concern in regions such as Zamora in Castile and León, where significant areas have already burned.
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has requested assistance from the European Union, including the deployment of two Canadair firefighting aircraft. The level 2 alert indicates an increased risk of fires, prompting the mobilization of additional personnel, including military units, and specialized firefighting equipment.
Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire in the outskirts of Abejera de Tabara, Zamora, Spain, August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Susana Vera TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Experts warn that the ongoing heatwave, now in its 12th day, is worsening the situation. Temperatures have reached 40°C during the day and do not fall below 25°C at night, keeping all regions on high alert, including northern areas.
Portugal is also facing multiple fires, with four currently active. So far, these fires have not threatened populated areas, though authorities remain vigilant.
A smoke rises, as a wildfire approaches Casal do Monte, Trancoso, Portugal, August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Albania has seen improvements after a particularly dangerous 24-hour period, during which at least one person died and over 57 fires were reported. As of the latest updates, only 29 fires remain active.
A drone view shows scorched vegetation as a wildfire sweeps through the area near Skenderbegas, Albania, August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Fatos Bytyci
In Turkey, fierce forest fires have persisted since June. At least 18 people have died due to the fires, including a forestry worker who lost his life yesterday while battling the blazes.
A drone view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in GuzelyaIi, Canakkale, Turkey, August 12, 2025. REUTERS/Efekan Akyuz
The scale of the wildfires across these countries highlights the growing threat posed by extreme heatwaves and the urgent need for coordinated firefighting efforts.
