Europe suffocates under relentless heatwave, battling widespread wildfires
Introduction : As of August 12, 2025, Europe is enduring an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in several regions. This extreme heat has exacerbated wildfire outbreaks, particularly in southern France and the Iberian Peninsula, leading to evacuations and significant environmental damage.
Faits vérifiés
In France’s Aude region, a massive wildfire has burned over 16,000 hectares, marking the country’s largest fire since 1949. The blaze has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. In Spain, wildfires near Madrid have led to evacuations and severe injuries, with temperatures reaching up to 44°C. Portugal is also grappling with large wildfires, with over 52,000 hectares burned this year, surpassing the annual average of the past two decades.
Développement
In the Aude region of southern France, a wildfire has consumed more than 16,000 hectares over three days, claiming one life and leaving three individuals missing. The fire has destroyed multiple homes and remains uncontrolled, though its spread has slowed. Authorities are hopeful for imminent containment. The environment minister highlighted the increased fire risk due to hotter and drier summers in the Mediterranean region.
In Spain, a wildfire near Madrid’s Tres Cantos area has been contained after causing injuries and evacuations. One man suffered burns on 98% of his body and was airlifted to La Paz hospital. Approximately 180 people were evacuated, and the fire damaged over 1,000 hectares. Favorable weather conditions overnight assisted in containment efforts. Spain is currently enduring a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 44°C, intensifying the risk of wildfires.
Portugal has lost 52,000 hectares to wildfires in 2025, surpassing the annual average of the past two decades. Nearly 700 firefighters are combating a large wildfire in the Trancoso region, with fires also burning in other parts of Spain, including Navarra and Huelva. The Mediterranean’s increasingly hot and dry summers, driven by climate change, contribute to the high risk of uncontrollable wildfires.
Réactions officielles
« All of the nation’s resources are mobilised. » – President Emmanuel Macron, August 6, 2025.
Contexte
Southern Europe has been experiencing increasingly severe heatwaves and wildfires in recent years. Scientists attribute this trend to climate change, which has led to hotter and drier conditions, making the region more susceptible to such disasters. The Mediterranean’s climate is particularly vulnerable, with projections indicating a continued increase in extreme weather events.
Désinformation et rumeurs
- Affirmation : Les incendies en Espagne ont été déclenchés par des attaques terroristes. Non prouvée. Les autorités espagnoles ont indiqué que, bien que certains incendies puissent avoir été déclenchés par la foudre, la plupart semblent avoir été allumés délibérément, qualifiés de « terrorisme environnemental ».
Sources
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Date de publication : 2025-08-12 18:00:00
Auteur : Cédric Balcon-Hermand – Consulter sa biographie, ses projets et son travail. Cet article a été vérifié, recoupé, reformulé et enrichi selon la ligne éditoriale Artia13, sans reprise d’éléments protégés.
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