France, Spain assess scorched terrain as new wildfires threaten other regions

Paris (France) (AFP) – Greek firefighters faced another day of battling flames in high-risk conditions for new ignitions on Friday as France and Spain hoped for reprieve from massive infernos that blackened swathes of terrain.

Issued on: 31/07/2026 - 11:22

3 min Reading time

The unusual intensity of some of the fires across Europe underlines the increasing risk the continent faces as climate change parches vegetation and makes the emergencies more extreme, scientists say.Crete winds fan flamesGreek firefighters continued to battle a wildfire ravaging parts of the tourist island of Crete on Friday, although conditions had improved around the town of Rethymno, authorities said.

Greek firefighters continued to battle a wildfire ravaging parts of the tourist island of Crete on Friday © Costas Metaxakis / AFP