ONE PERSON HAS died whilst battling a wildfire in Spain, raising the death toll from the summer’s fire season to three.

Officials in Spain’s Leon region and the home affairs minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed the death this morning. They have offered their condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues and community. 

The death comes as Spain has asked the EU for assistance in its efforts to curb wildfires, while other European countries experience sweltering temperatures during a heatwave this week.

Portugal, France, Italy, the Balkans and the UK have wilted in high temperatures, reaching over 40 degrees in some parts. Thousands of firefighters backed by the army have deployed across the countries impacted.

Scientists say the heatwave is the result of human-induced climate change, which is intensifying. Almost 200 wildfires have destroyed over 240,000 acres in Spain alone so far this year – more than double the total area burned during the same period in 2024. 

Around 20 villages were evacuated in Greece this week, while the coastguard there said nearly 80 people were removed from neighbouring islands. Authorities in Albania have also evacuated residents this week. 

Fires in Greece have burned over 10,000 hectares this week, according to data from the EU’s Copernicus satellite monitoring programme. A 25-year-old man has been arrested there on suspicion of starting one of four fires, that began on Tuesday.

Six hundred ground crews and nearly 30 water bombing aircraft were deployed this morning in Greece, where a reduced wind intensity has aided efforts today.

Contains reporting from © AFP 2025