Key Facts
• On July 5, wildfires erupted in Greece, Turkey, and France.
• Over 600 wildfires occurred in Turkey within a week due to drought.
• In İzmir Province, a forestry worker died during firefighting efforts.
• Two fatalities on July 4: an 81-year-old bedridden man and a 39-year-old worker.
• Turkey’s Agriculture Minister reported seven fires controlled by July 5 evening.
• Fires in southern Turkey’s Dörtyol continued due to strong winds.
• France’s heatwave ended on July 4, but major wildfires began the same day.
• French highways faced 10 km traffic jams; water was distributed to stranded drivers.
• In Greece, a 52-year-old man was arrested for causing a fire on Euboea Island.
• Greek authorities remain on high alert due to ongoing heat and strong winds.
Summary
Wildfires have spread across southern Europe, fueled by a prolonged heatwave and strong winds. Turkey reported over 600 fires in a week, with fatalities including a forestry worker and an elderly man. While some fires were controlled, others, like in Dörtyol, persisted. France saw its first major wildfires of the season after the heatwave ended, causing highway closures and traffic jams. In Greece, a man was arrested for accidentally starting a fire, as high temperatures and winds continue to pose risks. Authorities across the region remain vigilant.
