France and Spain race to contain huge wildfires before fresh heatwave begins
France and Spain are struggling to contain massive wildfires as they brace for another intense heatwave. Officials warn that the coming days are critical, with record-breaking land destruction already reported in both nations.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires exacerbated by climate change pose a significant threat to European infrastructure and public safety.
A wildfire burns near Cestas in Gironde province in south-west France. A wildfire burns near Cestas in Gironde province in south-west France. Wildfires France and Spain race to contain huge wildfires before fresh heatwave begins Officials talk of ‘absolutely critical’ days for firefighters before rise again from middle of the week
Prefer the Guardian on Google Firefighters in France and Spain are racing to bring huge wildfires under control before another heatwave later this week that will complicate efforts to tame the flames.
Spain’s interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, said Monday and Tuesday were “absolutely crucial days” before temperatures rise again from Wednesday onwards.
EU officials have said wildfires could still be burning until early November in what threatens to be a record-breaking year for the area of land burned.
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