France stabilizes largest wildfire, new outbreaks in Greece

The situation with large-scale wildfires in France and parts of Spain has begun to improve, but on July 31, dozens of new outbreaks emerged in Greece. European rescue services warn that the danger persists due to heat, drought, and strong winds.

According to the latest available pan-European data from the EFFIS system, as of July 29, fires had burned 457,459 hectares in European Union countries. This is 31.8% more than in the same period of 2025. The largest areas have been affected in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.

France still has smoldering hotspots

The largest fire in the French department of Gironde has not spread for several days. The flames have engulfed about 42,000 hectares of forests and tourist areas on the Atlantic coast.

The fire was stabilized thanks to a drop in temperature and increased humidity. However, it has not yet been fully extinguished: hot spots remain in the forests that could reignite.

More than 220,000 people were evacuated due to the fire. By July 31, authorities allowed residents of two more municipalities to return home, as well as tourists who had been staying in campsites and holiday villages in Lacanau.

Spain remains on extreme wildfire alert

In Spain, temperatures will start to drop in the first days of August, but the risk of new fires will remain extremely high across much of the country.

According to EFFIS, about 217,600 hectares have burned in Spain since the start of the year – roughly five times more than during the corresponding period in 2025. However, national agencies use a different calculation methodology, so their estimates may be lower.

The largest hotspots occurred in the Community of Madrid, and the provinces of Ávila, Toledo, Guadalajara, and Castellón. Even after some fires have been stabilized, firefighters remain on standby due to the possibility of rekindling.

Greece hit by 20 new fires

Greek firefighters have been battling dozens of fires on the mainland and islands for four consecutive days. On the morning of July 31 alone, about 20 new outbreaks were reported across the country.

The most severe situation remains in Boeotia, Achaea, and Argolis in the Peloponnese. About 230 firefighters, 59 vehicles, seven helicopters, and four planes are operating there.

At least six settlements with a total of about 1,500 residents have been evacuated. Near the archaeological site of Mycenae, a fire broke out less than two kilometers from the historic monument.

On Crete, the fire has engulfed approximately 4,500 hectares. Strong winds of up to 125 km/h are complicating the use of aerial firefighting. Three firefighters have died while battling the blazes in Greece.

Earlier, Kurs.com.ua reported on large-scale evacuations and the fight against wildfires in France, Spain, and Greece.

Sources: Le Monde, El País, Financial Times