Mass evacuations
Huge wildfires in France and Spain have forced about 330,000 people to evacuate. New evacuation orders were issued in southwestern France as flames spread through dry forests.
Firefighters from across Europe have joined the response. Water-dropping aircraft have been working through the day. Officials said the fires are moving fast because of strong winds and months of dry weather.
Some of the largest blazes are burning in Spain, where authorities described the conditions as extreme. Whole villages have been emptied, and major roads have been closed to traffic.
Heat wave returns
Another heat wave is building over southern Europe. Austria recorded its highest temperature on record this week. Hungary moved to curb power use as air conditioners strained the grid.
Heat makes firefighting harder and fire behavior more erratic. Forecasters say the worst of the heat has not yet arrived. Fire crews are bracing for more difficult conditions over the weekend.
In parts of France, schools and public events have been cancelled. Cities have opened cooling centers for people who cannot escape the heat at home.
A changing climate
Scientists say the extreme conditions fit a long-term pattern. Summers in the region are getting hotter and drier. Fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer.
European leaders have promised more money for firefighting fleets and for forest management. Researchers say prevention matters too. Clearing dry brush and creating fire breaks can slow the spread of flames.
For now, the priority is protecting people. Evacuation centers are sheltering thousands of families. Officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders and not return home until firefighters say it is safe.