Wildfires rage across Europe: France, Spain, UK hit hard

Published Jul 17, 01:44 PM UTC

Wildfires are raging across multiple European countries, with France facing its most extensive wildfires since World War II, according to President Emmanuel Macron. The famous Forest of Fontainebleau south of Paris has lost 10% of its area. Investigations are underway into possible causes, including negligence by workers using a cut-off saw, a volunteer firefighter who confessed to arson, and a discarded cigarette butt. In Spain, a fire in Aragon has destroyed around 4,500 hectares of forest and farmland, forcing the evacuation of four towns and affecting about 500 people. Over 400 emergency personnel are battling the flames, which remain out of control due to strong winds. In the United Kingdom, a wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands led to the evacuation of houses and campsites, with flames spreading 3.5 kilometers. The article notes that climate change increases the likelihood of such fires due to drought and heat.

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