DoomsdaysCW#Greece, #Spain and #Portugal race to contain #wildfires as #EU steps up cross-border help
By DEREK GATOPOULOS and SUMAN NAISHADHAM
August 14, 2025
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — "Fire crews in Greece, Spain and Portugal raced to contain wildfires on Thursday, taking advantage of calmer winds that slowed the blazes even as much of southern Europe remained at high risk under hot, dry conditions.
"A drop in wind speeds allowed firefighting aircraft in the three hard-hit countries to step up water drops, concentrating on existing fire zones rather than chasing fast-moving fronts. Authorities warned that #ExtremeTemperatures are likely to persist.
"Spanish authorities reported the death of a 37-year-old volunteer firefighter who sustained severe burns in an area north of #Madrid this week. It was the third reported death in Spain due to the recent fires. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes in the region and still can not return.
"In Greece, the Fire Service said a major blaze outside the southern port city of #Patras has been contained on the outskirts of urban areas after a large-scale deployment. Three people have been arrested in connection with the fire, which authorities said may have been deliberately set.
"#HighWinds in Greece shifted to different parts of the country on Thursday. Ioannis Kefalogiannis, the civil protection minister, said authorities were bracing for the likelihood of a new round of major fires."
#EuropeanWildfires #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Arson #ExtremeHeat #WildfiresKnowNoBorders
Greece, Spain and Portugal race to contain wildfires as EU steps up cross-border help
Fire crews in Greece, Spain, and Portugal are racing to contain wildfires. Calmer winds on Thursday have helped slow the blazes. Southern Europe remains at high risk due to hot, dry conditions. Authorities warn that extreme temperatures are likely to persist. In Spain, a 37-year-old volunteer firefighter died from severe burns north of Madrid. It marks the third death in Spain from recent fires. Thousands have been evacuated. In Greece, a major blaze outside Patras has been contained. The European Union’s civil protection agency has sent firefighting planes and helicopters to assist affected countries.