Wildfires impact France and Spain amid record European heatwave

Western Europe is experiencing its third major heatwave of the summer, leading to significant wildfire outbreaks in France and Spain. In France, over 400 firefighters and water-bombing aircraft are working to contain a blaze near the Fontainebleau forest, which has scorched more than 800 hectares. This fire forced the closure of the A6 highway and disrupted high-speed rail services. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated the fire is considered suspicious due to multiple ignition points within a confined radius. In Spain, the death toll from a recent wildfire in the Almeria province has risen to 13 following the death of a 93-year-old British woman, with 10 people currently reported missing. Scientists link these extreme conditions to climate change, noting that June's heatwave caused thousands of excess deaths across the continent. Regional authorities continue to monitor tinder-dry conditions and the ongoing risk of further fire outbreaks.