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Rachel V Thomas

Europe Swelters Under Heatwave And Wildfires; 360,000+ Evacuated: What Are The Health Risks?

<span>Europe</span> is battling an intense heatwave and fast-spreading wildfires, with soaring temperatures and prolonged dry conditions fueling blazes across the continent. France and Spain are among the hardest hit, with more than 360,000 people evacuated.

The crisis follows weeks of extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) across several countries. A European Commission official said the wildfire season, which began in April, could last until early November. European Commissioner for Crisis Response Hadja Lahbib warned that wildfire damage this year could surpass previous records.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wildfires burned 2.2 million hectares across the WHO European Region last year, up from 1.4 million hectares in 2022.

"New data reveals a sharp rise in wildfires across parts of the WHO European Region between January and July this year. Portugal and Spain have seen reported wildfires increase by more than 100% compared with the same period in 2025," said Dr. <span>Hans Kluge</span>, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

<ul><li>More than 250,000 people evacuated</li><li>Fires on the Cap Ferret peninsula have burned over 42,000 hectares and spread toward Bordeaux.</li><li>A rare fire thunderstorm in Gironde generated its own winds and lightning, making the blaze highly unpredictable.</li></ul>

The wildfire is "unlike any we have ever seen in France" because it is "following its own logic rather than any known pattern," said Nouvelle-Aquitaine prefect Sophie Brocas. "The fire is not over and remains extremely dangerous," she warned.

<ul><li>More than 116,000 people evacuated</li><li>Around 4,300 hectares burned in Castellón province.</li><li>More than 153,000 hectares have burned nationwide this year.</li></ul>

Spain's meteorological agency Aemet warned that a new heatwave beginning July 29 is expected to last until at least August 2, with temperatures nearing or exceeding 40°C in several regions.

The agency also warned of a "significant or even extraordinary" fire risk, particularly for outdoor workers, older adults, and people with cardiovascular disease.

Belgium recorded Europe's highest excess mortality during the late-June heatwave, according to EuroMOMO.

Data from Belgium's public health institute Sciensano showed more than 2,000 additional deaths, with excess mortality reaching 48%, compared with 23% in France and 13% in the Netherlands.

<h2>Canada Also Facing Severe Wildfires</h2>

Canada is also battling its own wildfire emergency after nearly 34,000 lightning strikes in a week ignited multiple fires across British Columbia. Authorities have issued 25 evacuation orders, while smoke has drifted into parts of the United States.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Climate Change Behind Extreme Fires</span></h2>

"As climate change drives a warming world, we need to prepare for more frequent and intense wildfires," said Dr. Hans Kluge.

He noted that Europe is the world's fastest-warming region, where heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives over the past four years, while heat-related deaths have increased by 30% over the past two decades.

Extreme heat and wildfire smoke can seriously affect health, especially among:

<ul><li>Older adults</li><li>Children</li><li>Pregnant women</li><li>People with heart disease</li><li>People with chronic lung conditions</li></ul>

"Smoke can travel long distances, worsening heart and respiratory conditions and affecting mental health. Fires can also disrupt access to healthcare and other public services," Kluge said.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke</span></h2>

<ul><li>Eye, nose, and throat irritation</li><li>Persistent coughing and breathing difficulties</li><li>Reduced lung function</li><li>Bronchitis</li><li>Asthma flare-ups</li><li>Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes</li><li>Premature death in severe cases</li></ul>

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of long-term heart and lung disease.

<ul><li>Follow evacuation orders immediately.</li><li>Limit outdoor activities when air quality is poor.</li><li>Wear a well-fitting mask if exposure to smoke is unavoidable.</li><li>Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or worsening respiratory symptoms.</li></ul>

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Europe is battling an intense heatwave and fast-spreading wildfires, with soaring temperatures and prolonged dry conditions fueling blazes across the continent. France and Spain are among the hardest hit, with more than 360,000 people evacuated.The crisis follows weeks of extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) across several countries. A European Commission official said the wildfire season, which began in April, could last until early November. European Commissioner for Crisis Response Hadja Lahbib warned that wildfire damage this year could surpass previous records.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wildfires burned 2.2 million hectares across the WHO European Region last year, up from 1.4 million hectares in 2022."New data reveals a sharp rise in wildfires across parts of the WHO European Region between January and July this year. Portugal and Spain have seen reported wildfires increase by more than 100% compared with the same period in 2025," said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.France and Spain Bear the BruntFranceMore than 250,000 people evacuatedFires on the Cap Ferret peninsula have burned over 42,000 hectares and spread toward Bordeaux.A rare fire thunderstorm in Gironde generated its own winds and lightning, making the blaze highly unpredictable.The wildfire is "unlike any we have ever seen in France" because it is "following its own logic rather than any known pattern," said Nouvelle-Aquitaine prefect Sophie Brocas. "The fire is not over and remains extremely dangerous," she warned.SpainMore than 116,000 people evacuatedAround 4,300 hectares burned in Castellón province.More than 153,000 hectares have burned nationwide this year.Spain's meteorological agency Aemet warned that a new heatwave beginning July 29 is expected to last until at least August 2, with temperatures nearing or exceeding 40°C in several regions.The agency also warned of a "significant or even extraordinary" fire risk, particularly for outdoor workers, older adults, and people with cardiovascular disease.Belgium Worst Mortality RateBelgium recorded Europe's highest excess mortality during the late-June heatwave, according to EuroMOMO.Data from Belgium's public health institute Sciensano showed more than 2,000 additional deaths, with excess mortality reaching 48%, compared with 23% in France and 13% in the Netherlands.Canada Also Facing Severe WildfiresCanada is also battling its own wildfire emergency after nearly 34,000 lightning strikes in a week ignited multiple fires across British Columbia. Authorities have issued 25 evacuation orders, while smoke has drifted into parts of the United States.Climate Change Behind Extreme Fires"As climate change drives a warming world, we need to prepare for more frequent and intense wildfires," said Dr. Hans Kluge.He noted that Europe is the world's fastest-warming region, where heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives over the past four years, while heat-related deaths have increased by 30% over the past two decades.What Are the Health Risks?Extreme heat and wildfire smoke can seriously affect health, especially among:Older adultsChildrenPregnant womenPeople with heart diseasePeople with chronic lung conditions"Smoke can travel long distances, worsening heart and respiratory conditions and affecting mental health. Fires can also disrupt access to healthcare and other public services," Kluge said.Health Effects of Wildfire SmokeExposure to wildfire smoke can cause:Eye, nose, and throat irritationPersistent coughing and breathing difficultiesReduced lung functionBronchitisAsthma flare-upsIncreased risk of heart attacks and strokesPremature death in severe casesFine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of long-term heart and lung disease.WHO Safety AdviceThe WHO recommends:Follow evacuation orders immediately.Limit outdoor activities when air quality is poor.Wear a well-fitting mask if exposure to smoke is unavoidable.Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or worsening respiratory symptoms.

europe swelters under heatwave and wildfires; 360,000+ evacuated: what are the health risks?

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