6,000 Flee Spanish Inferno: Europe's Heat Crisis Deepens

A scorching heatwave gripping Europe has fueled massive wildfires across the continent, forcing thousands from their homes and leaving a trail of destruction from Spain to the Balkans.

In Spain, nearly 6,000 residents have been evacuated from northern, central, and southern regions as temperatures soar to 44°C (111°F). Authorities warn of a “climate firebomb” — a deadly combination of heat, dryness, and high winds feeding the flames.

In Tres Cantos near Madrid, a man suffered burns over 98% of his body after being trapped in the blaze. He later died in hospital. The regional environment minister described the fire as “explosive” due to a dry lightning storm and winds exceeding 70 km/h (43 mph). Around 180 residents were forced to spend the night in sports centers after evacuating their homes.

In Castilla y León, more than 3,700 people from 16 villages were evacuated as ten active fire fronts raged on. Flames damaged the Las Médulas Roman mining site — a UNESCO World Heritage location. Further south in Tarifa, firefighting operations continue by air and ground after 2,000 residents were forced out. Spain’s Interior Ministry declared a “pre-emergency phase” to mobilize resources.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered condolences to the victim’s family and praised emergency crews for their “tireless efforts,” warning that “the risk of extreme wildfires remains — be extremely cautious.”

The crisis extends beyond Spain. In Portugal, hundreds of firefighters are battling three major blazes, with Morocco sending two firefighting planes to replace grounded Portuguese aircraft. In Italy, where Florence hit 40°C (104°F), a four-year-old boy died of heatstroke after being found unconscious in a car in Sardinia. Authorities issued red heat alerts for seven major cities.

In the Balkans, dozens were evacuated in Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia. Albania saw nearly 40 fires break out in the past 24 hours; over 20 arrests have been made on arson suspicions. In Montenegro, firefighters saved dozens of homes near the capital, while in Croatia, 150 firefighters worked through the night to protect properties near the port of Split.

In Turkey’s Çanakkale province, more than 2,000 people were evacuated and 77 treated for smoke inhalation as fires spread near the tourist village of Guzelyali. July was Turkey’s hottest month in 55 years.

Southern France also smashed heat records at four weather stations, including Bordeaux at 41.6°C (106.9°F). The summer’s second major heatwave began Friday and is expected to last until August 19–20. Twelve departments are on the highest red alert, with four more expected to join.