20 photos of the forest fires that devastate Europe in the midst of an intense heat wave

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20 photos of the forest fires that devastate Europe in the midst of an intense heat wave
In recent days, unusually high temperatures have gripped swathes of Europe, sparking wildfires from Portugal to the Balkan region. (ISABEL INFANTS/)
French meteorologists also warned of possible record temperatures as strong winds complicated firefighting efforts in the country's southwest.
French meteorologists also warned of possible record temperatures as strong winds complicated firefighting efforts in the country’s southwest. (SARAH MEYSSONNIER/)
Some countries are also experiencing prolonged droughts. Climate change is making these life-threatening extremes less rare, and has brought heat waves even to places like Britain, which braced for possibly record temperatures.
Some countries are also experiencing prolonged droughts. Climate change is making these life-threatening extremes less rare, and has brought heat waves even to places like Britain, which braced for possibly record temperatures. (SARAH MEYSSONNIER/)
“The fire is literally exploding,” said Marc Vermeulen, the regional fire service chief, who described how tree trunks were breaking apart as the flames consumed them, sending smoldering embers into the air and spreading the flames further. Europe-in.jpg” width=”4843″ />
“The fire is literally exploding,” said Marc Vermeulen, the regional fire service chief, who described how tree trunks were breaking apart as the flames consumed them, sending smoldering embers into the air and spreading the flames further. (SARAH MEYSSONNIER/)
“We are facing extreme and exceptional circumstances,” he said.
“We are facing extreme and exceptional circumstances,” he said. (SARAH MEYSSONNIER/)
Two people died in the fires in Spain that the country's prime minister linked to global warming, saying:
Two people died in the fires in Spain that the country’s prime minister linked to global warming, saying: “Climate change kills.” The body of a 69-year-old sheep farmer was found Monday in the same mountainous area where a 62-year-old firefighter died a day earlier when he was trapped by flames in the northwestern province of Zamora. (SARAH MEYSSONNIER/)
Climate scientists say heat waves are becoming more intense, more frequent and longer due to climate change and, along with droughts, have made wildfires harder to fight. They say climate change will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
Climate scientists say heat waves are becoming more intense, more frequent and longer due to climate change and, along with droughts, have made wildfires harder to fight. They say climate change will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. (SDIS 33/)
A view shows smoke rising from fires in the Gironde as seen from Landiras, France.
A view shows smoke rising from fires in the Gironde as seen from Landiras, France. (TWITTER @DGAMAX/)
The Balkan region has also seen sporadic wildfires and is expecting the worst of the heat later this week.
The Balkan region has also seen sporadic wildfires and is expecting the worst of the heat later this week. (TWITTER/ @JOSEMSANTIAGOD/)
More than 200 reinforcements headed out to join the force of 1,500 firefighters battling day and night to contain the flames in the Gironde, where the flames approached prized vineyards and the Arcachon sea basin, famous for its oysters and beaches.
More than 200 reinforcements headed out to join the force of 1,500 firefighters battling day and night to contain the flames in the Gironde, where the flames approached prized vineyards and the Arcachon sea basin, famous for its oysters and beaches. (ISABEL INFANTS/)
Three additional planes were sent to join six others already battling the fires, scooping up seawater in their tanks and making repeated runs through thick clouds of smoke, the Interior Ministry said late Sunday.
Three additional planes were sent to join six others already battling the fires, scooping up seawater in their tanks and making repeated runs through thick clouds of smoke, the Interior Ministry said late Sunday. (SARAH MEYSSONNIER/)
Image of the devastation left by the forest fires.
Image of the devastation left by the forest fires. (ALBERT GEA/)
According to Spain's Instituto Carlos III, which records temperature-related deaths daily, 237 deaths were attributed to high temperatures from July 10-14. That compares with 25 heat-related deaths the previous week.
According to Spain’s Instituto Carlos III, which records temperature-related deaths daily, 237 deaths were attributed to high temperatures from July 10-14. That compares with 25 heat-related deaths the previous week. (SUSANA VERA/)
A firefighter battles fires in Louchats, Gironde region in southwestern France (Philippe Lopez/Pool via REUTERS)
A firefighter fights fires in Louchats, Gironde region in southwestern France (Philippe Lopez / Pool via REUTERS) (POOL /)
Horses wait to be moved while the fire dangerously approaches in this ranch in Tabara, Zamora, Spain (REUTERS / Isabel Infantes)
Horses wait to be transferred while the fire dangerously approaches in this ranch in Tabara, Zamora, Spain (REUTERS / Isabel Infantes) (ISABEL INFANTES /)
French firefighters try to regain strength and oxygen amid their battle against the fire in Gironde (Philippe Lopez/Pool via REUTERS)
French firefighters try to regain strength and oxygen in the midst of their battle against the Gironde fire (Philippe Lopez/Pool via REUTERS) (POOL/)
A member of the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF) in Tabara, Zamora (REUTERS / Isabel Infantes)
A member of the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF) in Tabara, Zamora (REUTERS/Isabel Infantes) (ISABEL INFANTES/)
The locals try to collaborate with the control of the fire with all the elements they have at hand (REUTERS / Isabel Infantes)
The locals try to collaborate with the control of the fire with all the elements they have at hand (REUTERS / Isabel Infantes) (ISABEL INFANTES /)
Passengers record the fire in Zamora from the train that crosses the burning field (Francisco Seoane Perez/via REUTERS)
Passengers record the fire in Zamora from the train that crosses the burning field (Francisco Seoane Perez/via REUTERS) (FRANCISCO SEOANE PEREZ/)
This member of the (BRIF) seeks rest after battling the flames
This member of the (BRIF) seeks rest after battling the flames (ISABEL INFANTES/)

(With information from AP and images from Reuters)

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