Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate in Germany, France, Croatia and Greece as wildfires spread across western and southeastern Europe. The fires follow successive summer heatwaves that have scorched approximately 500,000 hectares of land across the European Union.
In Croatia, a blaze driven by strong winds reached the tourist town of Omis on Friday, enveloping settlements and forest areas. Local media reported that 14 people were hospitalised in nearby Split, including seven in life-threatening condition.
Fires reach Croatian tourist town
The wildfire spread from the area between Lokva Rogoznica and Omis, according to Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucakovic, who described the situation as complicated after an extremely difficult night.
Evacuations ordered in Germany and France
Authorities in western Germany ordered about 1,800 people to leave after a wildfire moved towards Gey, near the Belgian border.
Related coverage: Southwest Europe battles extensive wildfires amid record heatwaves and evacuations.
In southwestern France, 525 villagers fled a fire in the Landes pine woods. The blaze began on Thursday and had burned 1,100 hectares, or about 2,700 acres, while reaching within 2 kilometres of Luglon’s centre. Regional official Gilles Clavreul said 500 firefighters and six aircraft were fighting the flames.
Greece also sees evacuations
In northern Greece’s Halkidiki region, tourists and residents fled villages on Thursday after strong winds spread a wildfire near a resort, engulfing houses and trees during the holiday season.
Heat, drought and climate change
Scientists link the hot weather and severe drought driving the fires across Europe to climate change. France, Spain, Greece and the Balkans have been particularly affected by heatwaves this summer.
More context: EU urges faster climate action as wildfires rage in France and Spain.
Also read: What Australia’s wildfire experience can teach the UK and Europe amid rising fires.
No comments yet. Start the discussion.