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Heatwave Fuels Record Wildfires, 15 Dead, 330 k Evacuated

7/31/2026

47 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

EU Deploys Aid

Record wildfires, driven by heatwaves 4-5 °C above average, have burned over 265,000 hectares and forced evacuations of 330,000 people in France and Spain.
The Bordeaux blaze destroyed 240 homes and scorched 42,000 hectares.
The Ávila fire, the largest since 1961 at 500 km², displaced 79,000 residents.
International aid including EU aircraft and German helicopters has been sent as the fires claim 13 deaths in Spain and two firefighters in France.

Summary

Greece Declares Emergency

Greece declared a State of Emergency for Agios Vasileios in Rethymno until Oct 29.
The Arson Crimes Directorate opened investigations into 37 wildfires reported July 28-29.
Deputy mayor Evangelia Glampedaki cancelled all cultural events in Agios Vasileios.
The Rethymno Hoteliers Association prepared housing for about 2,000 evacuated tourists.
Civil protection warned via the 112 alert to avoid burning vegetation, welding, barbecues and cigarettes.

Summary

Authorities Arrest Arsonists

Two suspects were arrested on arson charges as the Gironde blaze burned 42,000 hectares.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said 184 people have been detained since 6 July for fire-related offenses.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints converted its Lormont meetinghouse into a shelter, providing food, bedding and water trucks.
Health minister Stéphanie Rist urged residents to stay indoors and wear masks because smoke and ash linger.

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EU Deploys Aid

Record wildfires, driven by heatwaves 4-5 °C above average, have burned over 265,000 hectares and forced evacuations of 330,000 people in France and Spain.
The Bordeaux blaze destroyed 240 homes and scorched 42,000 hectares.
The Ávila fire, the largest since 1961 at 500 km², displaced 79,000 residents.
International aid including EU aircraft and German helicopters has been sent as the fires claim 13 deaths in Spain and two firefighters in France.

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