Firefighters in Portugal, Greece, and Spain are tackling significant wildfires. Portugal’s challenge is particularly intense, involving over 1,200 firefighters, about 400 vehicles, and 15 aircraft fighting a blaze in the Vouzela area. The fire has scorched 12,000 hectares since it started on Thursday according to the Copernicus satellite mapping. Spain’s support includes 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles. Italy and Spain have also sent firefighting aircraft.
Wildfire Developments in Greece
In Greece, wildfires near Thessaloniki and Athens remain a major concern. Authorities urged Thessaloniki residents to stay indoors due to toxic smoke from a recycling plant fire triggered by a wildfire. This blaze necessitated evacuation alerts for several suburbs and a facility for disabled people. The Greek fire department deployed about 160 firefighters aided by water-dropping aircraft.
A separate wildfire erupted near Athens on Sunday afternoon. This fire involved 155 firefighters, numerous volunteers, and specialized teams. Aerial support comprised 16 water-dropping planes and six helicopters, focusing firefighting efforts on the pine forest regions.
The fire department stated that many of these wildfires are negligence-driven. Examples include sparks from machinery and unattended campfires.
Wildfire and Climate Facts
Climatic changes exacerbate wildfire occurrences, with Greece experiencing recurrent wildfires in its dry summers. The 2018 fire east of Athens, claiming over 100 lives, and the major 2023 fire in a nature reserve are reminders of the devastation possible. Greece is leveraging technology by deploying satellites to monitor for fires.
Spain’s Wildfire Situation
Spain is struggling with wildfires, particularly in the northeastern Girona region where since Friday, about 2,200 hectares have burned. The fire perimeter stretches 40 kilometers, with Catalan Fire Service working to control it.
The fires have led to arrests, such as a 76-year-old suspected of negligence-related fire initiation in Greece.
This summer, Greece avoided the western European heatwaves. Nonetheless, dozens of fires still emerged on both mainland and islands.
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