Several wildfires burned across the Italian island of Sicily on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of residents as firefighters worked to contain the spread. Other European countries are also battling wildfires fuelled by hot, dry weather, with scientists warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat and drought, particularly in southeastern Europe.

Two French firefighters were killed tackling a blaze near Bordeaux airport as a wildfire burned through two hectares of land.

Italy struggles with wildfires, heatwave

The fires come as southern Europe endures another spell of severe heat, with temperatures topping 40C in some areas.