“This is a structural issue in society,” a Spanish firefighter said, about worsening wildfires across Europe. “We’ve turned our backs on the mountains, on nature—and cities have never been so affected by it.”
The region is no stranger to fire, but these are unusual
Wildfires are burning through the two countries at a record pace.
The management of forests and land planning is also the preserve of individual governments and the EU has struggled for a unified approach.
The heatwaves and dry weather in Europe have continued to result in wildfires. Some raged through the night in Spain, with ten areas now said to be of high concern.
Heavy rainfall followed by extreme heat created the perfect tinder, as flames spread through regions of France and Spain.
UNECE says over 434,000 hectares burned in Europe this year-
Wildfires may start with a single spark, but experts say climate change, drought and decades of forest management decisions have created the conditions for Europe's biggest blazes.
En el Viejo Continente enfrentan cada año incendios forestales más frecuentes, mucho más intensos y en zonas geográficas más diversas con más afectaciones
“This is a structural issue in society,” a Spanish firefighter said, about worsening wildfires across Europe. “We’ve turned our backs on the mountains, on nature—and cities have…