By Adam Woodward
A series of wildfires broke out across southern Europe on Sunday, June 29, 2025, as a scorching heatwave pushed temperatures to extreme levels, prompting evacuations, flight cancellations and straining emergency services.
From France to Turkey, firefighters have battled fires fuelled by high winds and dry conditions, while authorities urged people to take precautions.
In France, wildfires broke out in the Corbi猫res area of Aude in the southwest, where temperatures soared past 40掳C. A campsite and an abbey were evacuated as a precaution, with firefighters working to contain the flames. M茅t茅o France placed 84 of the country鈥檚 101 regional departments on an orange heatwave alert, the second-highest level, for Monday.
Heatwave causes wildfires in Turkey shutting down airspace
In Turkey, a devastating wildfire tore through the tourist resort of Fo莽a in 陌zmir province, forcing the evacuation of 550 residents from 175 homes across two neighbourhoods and four villages. The blaze, reportedly sparked by an arsonist who set his own house alight with gasoline, engulfed forests and homes, fanned by strong winds. Turkey鈥檚 Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, confirmed the suspect鈥檚 arrest for intentionally causing the forest fire. Firefighting efforts, involving 625 personnel, six helicopters, 46 fire engines, nine bulldozers, and 13 water supply vehicles, have been ongoing for a whole day. Four firefighters suffered smoke poisoning, with two requiring hospitalisation. The fire disrupted air travel, with flights suspended at 陌zmir Adnan Menderes Airport, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded as planes were diverted. Such is the situation in Turkey with smoke-filled skies, many flights have been cancelled leaving holidaymakers stranded.
In Italy, 21 cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, were on high alert for extreme heat. Sicily faced additional strain, with firefighters tackling 15 blazes on Saturday. Spain and Portugal also grappled with the heatwave鈥檚 effects. In Spain, temperatures in Extremadura and Andalusia hit 44掳C on Sunday, June 29, while Madrid approached 40掳C. Portugal鈥檚 southern regions, including Lisbon, were under a red warning for extreme heat and fire risk through Monday night, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere.
Warnings of heatwave and fires continuing from Turkey
Across the region, authorities urged vigilance as low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds heightened the risk of further fires. In Turkey, 陌zmir鈥檚 governor, S眉leyman Elban, warned that the next few days would remain dangerous, stating, 鈥淓veryone鈥檚 life is at stake. We must all be extremely cautious.鈥 While southern Europe braces for more intense conditions, emergency services and residents remain on high alert.
However, one of the biggest wildfires being fought at the moment is not in the south of Europe, as would be expected. A fire in the highlands of Scotland is currently being tackled near to Carrbridge and Dava, north of Aviemore and Inverness, and key roads linking the areas have been shut off.
All indicators suggest a long, hot, dry summer ahead with the possibility of holiday disruption due to wildfires across Europe.