Southern Europe’s wildfire emergency deepened on Thursday as Spain confirmed its third fatality this week, while Greece reported progress in battling a major blaze that had threatened its third-largest city, Patras.
Spanish authorities said a 37-year-old volunteer firefighter died after sustaining severe burns in the northwestern Castile and León region. His death brings the national toll to three following earlier fatalities near Madrid and elsewhere in the same region. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences online, urging citizens to remain vigilant: “The wildfire situation remains serious, and taking extra precautions is essential. Thank you, once again, to all those working tirelessly to fight the flames.”
Spain hit hardest by 2025 fire season
Fires have scorched more than 157,000 hectares (388,000 acres) across Spain so far this year – over three times the area destroyed during the same period in 2024. Thousands of people have been evacuated, particularly in Castile and León. Authorities said four suspects were arrested this week on suspicion of arson, bringing the total number of accused fire-starters this season to 30.
With emergency services stretched, Spain has appealed for European Union assistance. France announced it would send two water-bombing aircraft, while the EU mobilised additional planes to bolster firefighting efforts in the northwest.
Greece gains ground in Patras battle
In Greece, firefighters reported progress against a blaze that closed in on the western port city of Patras earlier this week. While the fire remained active on the eastern outskirts, gentler winds on Thursday helped containment efforts. Around 600 firefighters and nearly 30 aircraft were deployed at dawn.
At least 15 firefighters have been treated for burns, smoke inhalation, or exhaustion, according to fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. Major outbreaks also continue on the tourist islands of Zakynthos (Zante) and Chios, as well as near the western town of Preveza. The National Observatory of Athens said fires in the region, including Patras, have consumed over 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres).
Greek authorities confirmed three men, aged 19 to 27, have been detained on suspicion of arson near Patras.
Portugal, Balkans and Turkey also struggle
Portugal has deployed nearly 2,000 firefighters against four major blazes, including one in Trancoso that has razed an estimated 14,000 hectares (34,600 acres). Another front in Arganil drew more than 800 firefighters as residents described “enormous” flames sweeping through villages.
The Balkans appear to have passed the peak of the heatwave, though Albania continues to face severe fires. An 80-year-old man died near Tirana, while explosions were reported in the Korça district from buried World War II-era munitions ignited by flames. Greece has sent teams to assist its neighbour.
In Turkey, a forestry worker was killed and four others injured in a fire truck accident while combating a blaze in the south. The country has recorded 18 fire-related deaths since June, including 10 rescue volunteers and forestry workers in July.
EU civil protection under strain
The EU’s civil protection agency confirmed it has already activated wildfire assistance 16 times this season – matching the total for the entire 2024 season. This week alone, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania requested help. Planes and helicopters from member states have been deployed across the region.
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying Europe’s fire seasons, with hotter, drier summers fuelling longer and more destructive outbreaks across the Mediterranean.
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