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    Extreme danger: Forest fires are raging in southern Europe

12:07
6 July 2026

Drought and wind
Forest fires rage in southern Europe

Severe forest fires have spread across several southern European countries. From Portugal through Spain and the south of France to Greece.

Thousands of firefighters are working to bring the blazes under control. In the French Pyrenees, emergency services are battling the flames across more than 4,600 hectares of difficult-to-access terrain.

So far, 10,000 people have had to be evacuated from several villages. The third stage of the Tour de France has also been affected and, for safety reasons, will take place without spectators.

The plume of smoke from the fire south-west of Perpignan can also be seen on the WeatherRadar.

Seven departments in south-eastern France are on the highest alert level, red, as of Monday. There have also been a number of fires in Portugal, Spain and Greece over the last few days.

Wind as an accelerator

As well as the dry conditions, strong winds are currently the main factor fuelling the spread of the fires. Strong gusts are also expected in many regions of southern Europe over the coming days.

Did you know?

Forest fires around the Mediterranean are not uncommon during dry summers. Around 90 per cent are caused by human activity. Climate change is extending the forest fire season and making vegetation more flammable.

Clemens Teutsch-Zumtobel
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