On August 13, 2025, wildfires fueled by a prolonged heatwave, strong winds, and suspected arson or thunderstorms swept through southern Europe, destroying homes, farms, and factories, and forcing thousands to evacuate, as reported by Reuters.
In Greece, a cement factory near Patras was engulfed, disrupting rail traffic, while evacuations were ordered in Chios and Cephalonia. Spain reported a volunteer firefighter’s death and multiple hospitalisations.
In Patras, Greece, volunteer Giorgos Karvanis described the scene as “doomsday,” with authorities evacuating a town of 7,700 and two villages, per BBC. Spain’s AEMET has issued a warning of extreme fire risk across the country, following the death of a firefighter in Nogarejas, marking the sixth wildfire-related fatality in 2025. In Galicia, approximately 10,000 hectares have been burned, driven by six active fires. Authorities have made arrests and launched investigations into suspected arson cases in Avila and Muxía.
VIDEO: 🇮🇹 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇲🇪 Three killed in southern Europe wildfires as heatwave intensifies
Heat alerts were issued in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and the Balkans, with temperatures expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius#AFPVertical pic.twitter.com/1DgpRDL5UC
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 13, 2025Alexander Held from the European Forest Institute criticised the lack of adequate wildfire prevention measures, calling for the establishment of buffer zones and better vegetation clearance. He noted that firefighters are facing unprepared landscapes. In Albania, 10,000 personnel worked to combat 24 wildfires, forcing villagers to evacuate in central regions. Meanwhile, the fire in Trancoso, Portugal, which was reignited by lightning, worsened overnight according to civil protection reports.
At least 3 people are dead and thousands have been displaced as wildfires rage across southern Europe. @JamesAALongman has the latest. https://t.co/UMpnZ6ndHi pic.twitter.com/BQDn5aggoG
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) August 13, 2025Spain recently experienced a 10-day heatwave, with temperatures peaking at 45°C. Italy issued extreme heat warnings for 16 cities, including Florence, where temperatures reached 39°C. These high temperatures have increased the risk of wildfires. In response to the heat, Pope Leo relocated his Vatican audience indoors. This situation emphasises the need for strong fire management strategies throughout the region.
Southern Europe’s wildfires, intensified by heatwaves and arson, threaten lives, infrastructure, and tourism, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience.
