Europe wildfire crisis shifts east as Greece battles worsening blazes

Europe's wildfire crisis shows a stark contrast, with significant relief in Western Europe but a worsening situation in Greece. Major fires in France and Spain have been contained, and Portugal's largest blaze is now under control. This easing in the west allows for a focus on the escalating emergency in Greece.

In Greece, gale-force winds are fueling new fires, pushing flames through coastal resorts and prompting further evacuations. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by international crews from France and Romania, are battling blazes near Porto Germeno, west of Athens. The strong winds are hindering aerial firefighting efforts, preventing planes from collecting water or making effective drops.

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Very strong to gale-force winds continue to create extremely difficult conditions.

This year's fire season highlights Europe's vulnerability to climate change. As the continent warms at twice the global average, prolonged droughts leave vegetation exceptionally dry and susceptible to ignition. Fires are spreading faster and burning with greater intensity, as seen in France's Gironde region, where a massive fire has scorched an area four times the size of Paris, with millions of animals estimated to have perished.

Authorities in Greece are facing extreme conditions, with warnings issued for multiple villages east of Nafpaktos. The minister for climate crisis and civil protection, Evangelos Turnas, described the situation as exceptionally difficult due to the powerful winds. The crisis underscores the growing challenge of managing extreme weather events fueled by climate change across the continent.

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Extreme turbulence prevents planes from collecting water or getting close enough to fires to drop water.