Fueled by soaring temperatures, strong winds, and climate change, which experts say amplifies the frequency and intensity of blazes, Europe is grappling with a destructive 2021 wildfire season, according to EU data.
The fires have caused significant damage across multiple countries, far exceeding average destruction levels from 2008 to 2020.
Turkey’s Worst Fires in a Decade
Turkey has faced 133 wildfires in 2021 so far, compared to an average of 43 by this time of year between 2008 and 2020. Nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) have been scorched, a sharp rise from the average 13,516 hectares.
The death toll reached six on Saturday, with two forest workers among the casualties, as reported by Turkey’s health minister. Evacuations are ongoing in Bodrum and Antalya.
Response and International Aid
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the hard-hit town of Manavgat, where several deaths and injuries occurred. Facing criticism, Erdogan announced an increase in firefighting planes from six to 13, with support from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran.
Thousands of Turkish personnel, along with dozens of helicopters and drones, are aiding efforts to combat the fires, the worst in at least a decade.
Greece Faces Major Blazes
In Greece, firefighters are battling a significant fire near Patras in the west, which started early Saturday. Five villages have been evacuated, and eight people have been hospitalized with burns and respiratory issues.
Approximately 20 homes have been destroyed, with 30 houses, barns, and stables consumed in villages like Ziria, Kamares, Achaias, and Labiri. The seaside resort of Loggos was evacuated, with nearly 100 residents and tourists relocated to Aigio. EU data reports 13,500 hectares burnt in Greece this year, compared to an average of 7,500 hectares.
Italy’s Sicily Under Siege
In Sicily, Italy, firefighters are tackling dozens of blazes fueled by high temperatures. The region’s governor has requested assistance from Rome.
On Friday, 150 people trapped in two seaside areas of Catania were evacuated by sea and transferred to Coast Guard boats. Italy’s fire brigade reported over 800 flare-ups this weekend, primarily in the south.
Spain’s Efforts Near Madrid
In Spain, dozens of firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft, are combating a wildfire near the San Juan reservoir, about 70 kilometers east of Madrid. The blaze, which began Saturday afternoon, was stabilized overnight, but authorities have urged the public to avoid the reservoir, a popular spot for residents.
Finland’s Historic Fire
Finland is battling its worst forest fire in 50 years, with 300 hectares (750 acres) ravaged in five days in a northwestern valley near Kalajoki, about 500 kilometers north of Helsinki. No casualties have been reported in the sparsely populated area.
Jarmo Haapanen, leading firefighting operations, said the fire is contained but could take one to three weeks to fully extinguish. Approximately 250 personnel, including army soldiers and four helicopters, are deployed.
