Strong winds, high temperatures and a lack of rain for weeks have fueled wildfires across much of Europe. Scientists associate this situation with climate change.
This was reported by The Independent.
The extreme weather conditions occurred precisely at the time when many tourists plan their summer vacation.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System of the EU, the risk of fires in most of Southern Europe is high. So, on the border between Greece and Bulgaria, firefighters were able to control the flames of a fire that was burning low-growing vegetation only thanks to support from the air. Greek fire service spokesman Vassilis Vatrakogiannis said ground forces could not reach the area due to the threat of anti-personnel mines left over from past conflicts. According to him, firefighters and local authorities are forced to use excavators to create firebreaks around villages and protect them from fire.
Greece has long struggled with wildfires fueled by rising temperatures and sporadic rains that scientists attribute to climate change.
Spanish firefighters are also fighting forest fires in extreme heat. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by water bombers, are trying to extinguish two forest fires that have been raging since Tuesday in the east of the country.
Several hundred residents from Benasau in the eastern region of Valencia had to leave their homes due to a fire that broke out in the nearby hills.
The meteorological service records the third heat wave in Spain in the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, firefighters in Croatia say they endured their toughest day of the season as they tackled a blaze near the coastal town of Tucepi. Coping with the fire, which stretched for several kilometers, was hindered by a strong wind that blew throughout the night.
Further to the north of the country, firefighters tried to stop the flames and prevent it from reaching the Krka National Park – the main tourist attraction and nature reserve, known for its spectacular waterfalls.
Before, EcoPolitic wrote about the fact that, according to scientists, the world is not ready to forest fires caused by climate change. Over the past 20 years, the frequency and scale of extreme forest fires have doubled, and according to forecasts, their number on the planet will increase by 50% by the end of the century.
In July 2023, there will be a forest fire in Greece the fire broke out tourist island of Rhodes. In total, last year in the EU there were more than half a million hectares of forest was destroyed fires
