Firefighters Battle Wildfires Across Southern Europe

Firefighters are working tirelessly to combat wildfires in Portugal, Greece, and Spain. Reinforcements from Spain and Italy have arrived in Portugal, where a massive fire has been raging for over three days. In Thessaloniki, Greece, authorities have advised residents to stay indoors due to toxic smoke from a burning recycling plant. Another significant fire has erupted near Athens.

Efforts in Portugal

In central Portugal’s Vouzela area, over 1,200 firefighters are supported by nearly 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft. They are battling a wildfire that started on Thursday. By Sunday, it had scorched 12,000 hectares, according to the EU’s Copernicus satellite mapping agency. Spain sent 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles on Friday. Italy and Spain also dispatched three firefighting aircraft.

Portuguese media reported that the fire is beginning to abate, but some hot spots persist.

Wildfires in Spain

In Spain’s northeastern Girona region, a fire since Friday has burned nearly 2,200 hectares. The Catalan Fire Service reported a 40-kilometer perimeter blaze, which might not be controlled on Sunday.

Challenges in Greece

In Greece, a recycling plant fire near Thessaloniki prompted evacuation alerts. Winds helped spread the fire, leading to the deployment of 160 firefighters overnight. Water-dropping aircraft resumed operations at dawn.

In the Oraiokastro suburb, a 76-year-old man was arrested for allegedly starting the fire through negligence. The fire department is investigating the incident.

Preventing Wildfires

In Greece, about 85% of wildfires result from negligence, as reported by Fire Department spokesman Brig. Ioannis Artopoios on ERT TV. Many are caused by sparks from agricultural machinery, discarded cigarettes, and outdoor barbecues. Efforts focus on technology to combat fires, with satellites monitoring potential outbreaks.

Greece has avoided significant heatwaves experienced in western Europe but still faces numerous fires on the mainland and islands.