Wildfires and heatwaves impact Southern Europe
Southern Europe is facing an early wildfire season exacerbated by severe heatwaves. In France, a wildfire near Canigou in the Eastern Pyrenees has burned approximately 13,500 to 45,000 decares, prompting the evacuation of 10,500 residents across 26 municipalities and injuring two people. The Tour de France route remains unchanged, but the stage will proceed without spectators to allow emergency access. Meanwhile, 16 French departments are under orange alert for temperatures reaching up to 40°C. In Portugal, authorities have contained 80% of a major wildfire in the Viseu region that destroyed at least 130,000 decares since July 2, leaving nine people injured. Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, receiving assistance from Spain and Italy. Similar wildfire threats are reported in Spain, with meteorological services warning of continued extreme heat across the region.