Firefighters in various European countries faced challenges battling multiple fires on Friday due to a new wave of extreme heat, impacting countries unaccustomed to such high temperatures. The scorching weather, attributed to human-induced climate change, has led to exceptionally dry conditions, making firefighting efforts more difficult.
France, undergoing its driest year on record, witnessed a wildfire in the Landes region, leading to the evacuation of over 500 residents in Luglon. The country has been grappling with several forest fires, including in typically cooler regions like the north and Brittany, following a significant fire near Bordeaux that displaced a quarter of a million people.
In the U.K., after recording the hottest day of the year, firefighters in the West Midlands tackled blazes that prompted numerous emergency calls and forced evacuations, resulting in 19 hospitalizations. Similarly, Germany relocated all 1,800 residents of Gey village due to a wildfire in the Hurtgen forest, complicated by unexploded ordnance from World War II.
Croatia faced a critical situation with 14 people hospitalized, seven in life-threatening condition, following a fire near Omiš that displaced over 1,000 individuals. Greece also evacuated more than 300 people as a wildfire threatened seaside homes, while Belgium experienced record temperatures and fears of drought, prompting water restrictions despite anticipated rain.
Albania combated multiple wildfires, with active blazes near residential areas under control. Legal actions have been taken against three individuals over a fire in Lura National Park. Additionally, France shut down nuclear reactors due to heat and drought, with one closure linked to jellyfish disrupting cooling operations, reflecting the impact of extreme weather on various sectors.