An urgent warning has been issued to Brits heading to Spain this summer. Tourists have been told to take “extreme precautions” as scorching temperatures hit the holiday hotspot.
The mercury has hit 32C in Seville this week with highs of 35C in Madrid and 31C in Barcelona. The hot weather has increased the likelihood of wildfires and tourists are being urged to be prepared. It comes after a firefighting volunteer died in the Castile and Leon region north of Madrid, where thousands have been evacuated.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) said: “The danger of wildfires continues at very high or extreme levels in most of Spain, despite the likelihood of showers in many areas.
“We are at the most critical moment of the season. Take extreme precautions.”
The Spanish government recently raised its national response level in the wake of wildfires. They have prepared additional support for regional authorities overseeing multiple evacuations and major road closures.
Hot weather has also hit other southern European nations, such as Greece, Turkey and Albania. In Greece, firefighters are fighting a blaze in the port city of Patras.
Officials evacuated a children’s hospital and a retirement home as the wildfire moved dangerously yesterday (Wednesday, Augut 13). The blaze also gutted a tow yard, destroying 500 vehicles.
Meanwhile, fierce wildfires have also swept across Albania this week. One person has died and ten people injured as the blaze moved from southern towns to central mountain villages.
Local authorities said over 10,000 firefighters, soldiers, police officers and volunteers were deployed. There were mass evacuations as the wildfire was flared by high temperatures and strong winds.
Hundreds of people were also evacuated from the northwestern province of Canakkale, Turkey, due to wildfires earlier this week. Around 700 personnel responded to the blaze, as well as planes, helicopters and emergency vehicles.
The city’s airport was shut for several hours alongside major roads. They have since reopened and the wildfires are contained.
