Massive wildfires sweep Europe amid soaring temperatures

Europe is battling massive wildfires across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece as temperatures soar, with some areas bracing for highs of 40°C. The fires have already devastated over 19,000 hectares of land.

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About 10:30 p.m. we started to see smoke that was getting closer and closer. Around 1 a.m. someone from the municipality knocked on our door and told us to leave.

In southwestern France, near Perpignan, around 5,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Firefighters are working to contain a blaze that has scorched 1,650 hectares. Residents described seeing smoke approaching rapidly and being woken up by authorities to evacuate.

These fires follow a severe heatwave in June, which scientists from World Weather Attribution noted would have been "virtually impossible" without climate change. French Colonel Eric Belgioino warned that the fire season has begun a month early and urged residents to take precautions to prevent igniting further fires.

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Climate change is already here, we are experiencing its consequences, and it's only the beginning of July.

The situation has led to disruptions, including the cancellation of spectators for the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race as it passes through the Pyrenees. Officials have asked people not to approach the route or the finish line.

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The season will be long for the firefighters. You have to help us.

In Greece, smoke from a wildfire near Thessaloniki forced authorities to evacuate surrounding areas and advise residents to keep windows closed. Spain's Costa Brava region has seen over 2,200 hectares burn, with firefighters facing challenges from rising temperatures and numerous "smoke hotspots." Portugal reported that 80% of a wildfire in its northern region, which destroyed about 13,000 hectares, has been brought under control.

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In other words, and I'm sorry to have to say it, at least in France this stage of the Tour de France will be without spectators.