Europe battles wildfires as record heat grips continent

Paris: Firefighters across Europe battled multiple wildfires on Friday as record-breaking heat and exceptionally dry conditions gripped the continent. The extreme temperatures are linked to human-caused climate change.

FRENCH EVACUATIONS 

A wildfire raced through woodlands in France’s southwestern Landes region, forcing more than 500 people to evacuate Luglon. Hundreds of firefighters were deployed.

France, experiencing its driest year on record, is battling several forest fires. Six nuclear reactors have also been shut in recent days because of extreme heat and drought.

NEARLY 500 ARRESTED FOR ‘STARTING’ FIRES

French authorities have detained 474 people, including 183 minors, on suspicion of starting wildfires since July 1. About 70% are suspected of deliberately starting fires, the Interior Ministry said.

TROUBLE FOR BRITONS

A major fire in Stourbridge, central England, destroyed about 20 to 30 homes. Nineteen people and six firefighters were hospitalised after multiple West Midlands wildfires. 

In Stoke-on-Trent, a 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson. London recorded 38.1°C on Thursday, the UK’s hottest temperature this year. July was the driest in England and Wales since records began in 1836.

FIRE IN GERMANY too

All 1,800 residents of Gey in western Germany were evacuated as a wildfire burned nearly 300 hectares of forest. Unexploded World War II ordnance hampered firefighting.

Germany has recorded an estimated 12,500 heat-related deaths between January 1 and August 2, surpassing its previous annual record.

CROATIA: 1 DEAD, 14 HOSPITALISED

A wildfire near Omis killed one person, hospitalised 14 and forced more than 1,000 people to flee their homes. Seven of the injured were in life-threatening condition.

SPAIN MOVES KINGS’ REMAINS TO AVOID FIRE

Spanish authorities moved the remains of three 11th-century kings from a monastery in Aragón threatened by a wildfire. About 800 residents were evacuated. Another fire in Huelva has burned more than 300 sq km.

ALBANIA CONTROLS LARGEST FIRE SPREAD

Albania reported 11 active wildfires, with the largest at Gure-Lure brought under control near homes. 

In northern Greece, more than 300 tourists and residents were evacuated by sea as a wildfire threatened seaside homes.

—AP