Severe wildfires are putting a strain on emergency responders in several European countries. Persistent heat and drought are hampering firefighting efforts and exacerbating the situation.
Image: Manon Cruz/REUTERS
The situation remains tense in the La Mierla area in the Spanish municipality of Guadalajara. 529 residents from eleven municipalities had to be evacuated due to the fire. Several thousand hectares of land have already been destroyed. Rescue workers are focusing their efforts on protecting homes before the flames reach the town center.
Image: UME/Handout/AFP
Firefighting efforts are continuing in the area around Untes in Spain, too. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze with the help of planes. Wind and heat are complicating the operation, while protecting towns and infrastructure remains the top priority.
Image: Rosa Veiga/Europa Press/ABACA/picture alliance
On Tintwistle Moor in northern England, smoke can be seen rising near a hut. Firefighting efforts in the region, which have been ongoing for weeks, are expected to continue for some time. The drought poses an increased fire risk in the area. Visitors are asked to follow the authorities’ instructions and avoid the affected areas.
Image: Oli Scarff/AFP
Large swathes of forest in the Portuguese region of Vouzela are still ablaze. More than a thousand firefighters are on the scene, supported by firefighting aircraft. Drought and high temperatures are increasing the risk of the fire spreading further.
Image: Pedro Rocha/REUTERS
The wildfires near Vouzela continue to pose a challenge for emergency responders. Gusts of wind keep causing new pockets of embers to flare up. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
Image: Pedro Rocha/REUTERS
In southern France near Vidauban and in the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris, wildfires are keeping fire departments busy. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the flames. Drought and heat are increasing the risk of wildfires in France as well.
Image: Dragan Lekic/Anadolu/picture alliance6 images1 | 66 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5HRP1
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