Wildfires swept across parts of Italy, France and Spain on Wednesday, killing three firefighters and forcing thousands to flee as scorching temperatures and strong winds fueled the blazes.The fires come as southern Europe endures another spell of severe heat, with temperatures topping 40 Celsius in some areas.
Scientists agree that climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is making extreme weather events such as fires and heatwaves more likely and more severe.
In Sicily, around 6,000 firefighters, forest guards and civil protection officials battled dozens of fires that have raged for days across the Mediterranean island.
Regional president Renato Schifani said about 50 fires were still burning despite the deployment of water-bombing aircraft.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said a firefighter died after falling ill while battling the flames.
