Spain, Portugal, and Greece Face Ongoing Wildfire Crisis as Heatwave Persists
Firefighters in Spain, Portugal, and Greece are engaged in a relentless battle against wildfires as a severe heatwave grips the region, expected to last for several more days. On August 15, 2023, a public holiday in all three nations, the extreme conditions have severely hampered firefighting efforts, with Spain currently tackling 14 major fires.
In Spain, the national weather agency, AEMET, has issued warnings of extreme fire risk across most of the country. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted the ongoing threat, stating on social media, “Today will once again be a very tough day, with an extreme risk of new fires.” The heatwave has pushed temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), a trend expected to continue through the weekend.
The fires have significantly impacted infrastructure, especially in the Galicia region, where several highways have been closed. Additionally, the high-speed rail line connecting Galicia to the capital, Madrid, remains suspended due to safety concerns. According to the European Union’s European Forest Fire Information System, approximately 158,000 hectares (610 square miles) have burned in Spain this year, an area comparable to metropolitan London.
Portugal is also facing dire conditions, with nearly 4,000 firefighters battling seven major blazes. Authorities have extended the state of alert until Sunday as temperatures are forecasted to remain high. The Feast of the Assumption, a significant Catholic holiday, typically involves family gatherings and religious events, but this year, festivities have been overshadowed by the wildfires.
In Greece, a wildfire on the island of Chios has been raging uncontrollably for four days, leading to additional overnight evacuations. Firefighting efforts have included two water-dropping planes and two helicopters, which are currently operating in the northern part of the island. Local authorities noted that a temporary reduction in strong winds has provided some assistance to firefighters.
The Greek Fire Service remains on high alert, especially around Athens and surrounding areas where weather conditions have increased fire risks. Earlier in the week, large fires had already caused significant damage in western Greece.
During prayers for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, an important holiday for Orthodox Christians, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, expressed solidarity with the victims of the wildfires in Southern Europe. As the situation continues to unfold, the resilience of local communities and the tireless efforts of firefighters remain crucial in confronting this environmental crisis.
