Southern Europe Battles Wildfires: Tour de France Threatened, Mass Evacuations
Multiple wildfires raged across southern Europe on Sunday, threatening the Tour de France cycling race, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate in Spain, and causing critical injuries in France.
France: Fire near Tour de France route
A forest fire in the Pyrenees-Orientales department in southwestern France has forced authorities to consider canceling or rerouting the third stage of the Tour de France. The blaze, which started Saturday near Trevillach, is about 60 kilometers from the race route. Two people—a firefighter and a resident—are in life-threatening condition. Some 750 firefighters, 200 vehicles, and nine water-bombing helicopters and aircraft are battling the fire, which has a frontline of 18 kilometers. A decision on the stage was expected by the end of Sunday. Separately, about 300 firefighters fought another fire in the Drome department.
Portugal: 12,000 hectares burned
A wildfire that began Thursday in the Vouzela area of central Portugal has scorched 12,000 hectares. More than 1,200 firefighters, nearly 400 vehicles, and 15 aircraft are involved. By Sunday afternoon, the fire was partially contained with hot spots remaining. Spain sent reinforcements including personnel, vehicles, and two water bombers on Friday, and Italy contributed two firefighting aircraft.
Spain: 50,000 evacuated in Girona
In northeastern Spain's Girona region, a wildfire that started Friday has destroyed nearly 2,200 hectares. Local fire officials said it may not be controlled on Sunday. Nearly 50,000 residents were ordered to stay indoors or evacuate. A man was detained on suspicion of accidentally starting the fire with an angle grinder while working on a roadside.
Greece: Fires near Athens and Thessaloniki
A major wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon west of Athens in the Mandra area, burning through pine forest. Over 150 firefighters and 22 aircraft are fighting the blaze. In Thessaloniki, a recycling plant fire produced toxic smoke, forcing residents to stay indoors with windows closed. Police arrested a 76-year-old man suspected of starting the fire when sparks from his vehicle ignited vegetation. Large fires were also reported on Croatia's Hvar island and in Tale, Albania.
EU steps up cross-border support
The European Union has deployed its largest-ever emergency crew contingent from 14 countries, pre-positioned in high-risk areas across Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, alongside water bombers.
