File photo

 

Europe is in flames as scorching temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius ignite wildfires across the continent. France, Spain, Portugal, and more are battling relentless blazes, marking a devastating wildfire season. Nearly 2.4 million acres have already burnt, twice the usual amount, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.

 

In Spain, heroic efforts by nearly 1,000 firefighters are underway to control infernos forcing thousands to evacuate. A massive fire in Tres Cantos, near Madrid, tragically claimed one life and ravaged 2,500 acres. Meanwhile, in southern Spain’s Tarifa, tourists and locals evacuated as flames loomed over the beaches. Temperatures here are expected to exceed 43 degrees Celsius, with extreme fire danger warnings issued.

 

Portugal is also grappling with monumental fires, especially near Trancoso, where a blaze has scorched over 7,500 acres. An army of 1,200 firefighters and 400 vehicles has been deployed to tackle the massive flames. In Vila Real, blazes have raged for 10 days, causing despair and destruction. Sweltering heat is forecast to persist, exacerbating the fire risk, reported CNN.

 

Across southern Europe, the situation is dire. In Italy, wildfires closed trails near Mount Vesuvius, while red heat alerts loom over several cities. France faces its largest wildfire since 1949 in Aude, now mostly contained but still a looming threat amid the prolonged heatwave. Albania and Montenegro are fighting numerous fires, threatening tourist hotspots like the Blue Eye spring.

 

Scientists point to Europe’s rapid warming and severe droughts as key drivers behind these catastrophic fires. As the climate crisis intensifies, the frequency and severity of wildfires are expected to rise, painting a worrying picture for the continent’s future.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-08-14

 

How many of those fires are set deliberately ?

 

Is Newsom touring southern europe ?

 

The article (by whom ?) missed the opportunity to blame it on Putin. 😉

I’m nearing the end of a 3 month trip through Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. In the places where I’ve been at least, it’s been a cooler summer than usual, with only the last 3 days being the first really hot weather. I think the fires in Montenegro, where I am now, have had more to do with consistent moderately strong winds. Now that those winds have abated, the fires have been brought under control. Incidentally, although the air quality here is currently rated as ‘poor’ due to the fires, visibility’s still far better than it is in Jomtien on an average day of the burning season.