Current:Home > ScamsFires scorch France and Spain as temperature-related deaths soar-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Fires scorch France and Spain as temperature-related deaths soar
View Date:2025-01-11 00:58:55
PARIS — Firefighters struggled on Sunday to contain wildfires raging out of control in France and Spain as Europe wilts under an unusually extreme heat wave that authorities link to a rise in excess mortality.
Two huge blazes that have been consuming pine forests for six days just south of the city of Bordeaux in southwest France have forced the evacuation of some 14,000 people, including many who were set to spend their vacation at campsites.
In Spain, firefighters supported by the armed forces' emergency brigades are trying to stamp out over 30 fires consuming forests spread across the country. Spain's National Defense Department said that "the majority" of its fire-fighting aircraft have been deployed. Many areas are rugged, hilly terrain that makes it difficult for ground crews to access.
So far, there have been no fire-related deaths in France or Spain. In Portugal, a pilot of a firefighting plane died when his aircraft crashed on Friday.
But as temperatures remain unusually high, heat-related deaths have soared.
In Spain the second heat wave of the summer has kept highs above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many areas. According to Spain's Carlos III Institute, which records temperature-related fatalities daily, 237 deaths were attributed to high temperatures from July 10-14. That was compared with 25 temperature-related deaths the previous five days.
In France, the fire in La Teste-de-Buch near the Atlantic coast has forced 10,000 people to flee. The Gironde regional government said on Sunday that "the situation remains unfavorable" due to gusting winds that, combined with hot and dry conditions, have fanned more flare-ups overnight.
A second fire near the town of Landiras, south of a valley of Bordeaux vineyards, has forced authorities to evacuate 4,100 people this week, including some 1,900 on Saturday. Authorities said that one flank has been brought under control by the dumping of white sand along a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) stretch. Another flank, however, remains unchecked.
Some of the most worrisome blazes in Spain are concentrated in the western regions of Extremadura and Castilla y León. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced a joint command that will take over coordinating the efforts to battle the fires that are active in the adjoining regions.
Firefighters have been unable to stop the advance of a fire that broke out near the city of Cáceres that is threatening the Monfragüe National Park and has kept 200 people from returning to their homes.
Another fire in southern Spain near the city of Malaga has forced the evacuation of a further 2,500 people. There are more fires near the central city of Ávila, in northwest Galicia, among other areas.
Hungary, Croatia and the Greek island of Crete have also fought wildfires this week, as have Morocco and California.
The scorching temperatures have reached as far north as Britain, where its weather agency has issued its first-ever "red warning" of extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures in southern England may reach 40 C (104 F) for the first time.
That will still be relatively bearable compared with the 47 C (117 F) recorded in Portugal's northern town of Pinhao on Wednesday, establishing a new national record.
veryGood! (9214)
Related
- Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger welcome their first son together
- Montana’s attorney general faces professional misconduct complaint. Spokeswoman calls it meritless
- Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Give Glimpse Into Their Summer Vacation With Their Kids—and Cole Sprouse
- Lidcoin: Strong SEC Regulation Makes Cryptocurrency Market Stronger
- Mechanic dies after being 'trapped' under Amazon delivery van at Florida-based center
- AP PHOTOS: 50 years ago, Chile’s army ousted a president and everything changed
- New Pennsylvania Legislation Aims to Classify ‘Produced Water’ From Fracking as Hazardous Waste
- Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner and when divorce gossip won't quit
- UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight card, odds, how to watch, date
- Ask HR: If I was arrested and not convicted, do I have to tell my potential boss?
Ranking
- Jenn Tran's Ex Devin Strader Throws Shade At Her DWTS Partner Sasha Farber Amid Romance Rumors
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Moms for Liberty co-founder to state Commission on Ethics
- One way to save coral reefs? Deep freeze them for the future
- Honorary Oscars event celebrating Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks pushed back amid Hollywood strikes
- Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
- Marlins' Sandy Alcantara, reigning NL Cy Young winner, likely out for year with arm injury
- Oregon man who was sentenced to death is free 2 years after murder conviction was reversed
- Jenni Hermoso accuses Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for World Cup kiss
Recommendation
-
Opinion: Chris Wallace leaves CNN to go 'where the action' is. Why it matters
-
TikToker went viral after man stole her shoes on date: What it says about how we get even
-
Prosecutors in Trump aide's contempt trial say he 'acted as if he was above the law'
-
Democrat Gabe Amo one win away from being 1st person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress
-
Worker trapped under rubble after construction accident in Kentucky
-
Jennifer Love Hewitt Addresses Comments She Looks Different After Debuting Drastic Hair Change
-
'Survivor 45' cast: Meet contestants competing for $1 million in new fall 2023 season
-
Kirk Herbstreit calls out Ohio State fans' 'psychotic standard' for Kyle McCord, Ryan Day